Q. \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{1}{2} \text{ as a fraction}

Answer

Multiply numerators and denominators: \( \frac{2}{3}\times\frac{1}{2}=\frac{2\times1}{3\times2}=\frac{2}{6}=\frac{1}{3}\).

Detailed Explanation

Problem: Multiply the fractions \( \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{1}{2} \).

  1. Write the multiplication of fractions in terms of numerators and denominators.

    The two fractions are \( \frac{2}{3} \) and \( \frac{1}{2} \). When multiplying fractions, multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. So we form

    \[ \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2 \times 1}{3 \times 2} \]

  2. Multiply the numerators.

    Compute the product of the numerators: \( 2 \times 1 = 2 \). Thus the numerator of the result is 2.

  3. Multiply the denominators.

    Compute the product of the denominators: \( 3 \times 2 = 6 \). Thus the denominator of the result is 6.

  4. Write the unsimplified result.

    Putting the results of steps 2 and 3 together gives

    \[ \frac{2 \times 1}{3 \times 2} = \frac{2}{6} \]

  5. Simplify the fraction by dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

    The GCD of 2 and 6 is 2. Divide numerator and denominator by 2:

    \[ \frac{2 \div 2}{6 \div 2} = \frac{1}{3} \]

    Therefore the fraction simplifies to \( \frac{1}{3} \).

  6. Alternative (cancellation before multiplying):

    Observe that the numerator 2 of the first fraction and the denominator 2 of the second fraction share a common factor 2. Canceling that common factor first yields

    \[ \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{3} \times \frac{1}{1} = \frac{1}{3} \]

    This gives the same simplified result without computing the intermediate \( \frac{2}{6} \).

Final answer: \( \frac{1}{3} \).

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FAQs

How do you multiply \( \frac{2}{3} \times \frac{1}{2} \)?

Multiply numerators and denominators: \( \frac{2\cdot1}{3\cdot2}=\frac{2}{6} \). Then simplify: \( \frac{2}{6}=\frac{1}{3} \).

Can I simplify before multiplying?

Yes. Cross-cancel the 2 in numerator with the 2 in denominator: \( \frac{2}{3}\times\frac{1}{2}=\frac{1}{3} \). Simplifying first often makes arithmetic easier.

Why do we multiply numerators and denominators?

Fractions represent ratios; multiplying two ratios multiplies their numerators and denominators to combine parts: \( \frac{a}{b}\times\frac{c}{d}=\frac{ac}{bd} \). This follows from repeated subdivision or area-model reasoning.

What is \( \frac{1}{3} \) as a decimal?

\( \frac{1}{3} \) as a decimal is \(0.\overline{3}\) (0.333 repeating).

How do I interpret \( \frac{2}{3}\times\frac{1}{2} \) in words?

It means "two-thirds of one-half." Take half of something, then take two-thirds of that half; the result is one-third of the whole.

What if one fraction is negative, e.g., \( -\frac{2}{3}\times\frac{1}{2} \)?

Apply sign rules: negative × positive = negative. Multiply absolute values: \( -\frac{2}{3}\times\frac{1}{2}=-\frac{1}{3} \). Two negatives would give a positive result.

Can I multiply a fraction by a whole number?

Yes. Convert the whole number to a fraction: \( 2\times\frac{1}{2}=\frac{2}{1}\times\frac{1}{2}=\frac{2}{2}=1 \). Same method--numerators and denominators.

Is fraction multiplication commutative and associative?

Yes. Order doesn't matter: \( \frac{2}{3}\times\frac{1}{2}=\frac{1}{2}\times\frac{2}{3} \). Grouping doesn't matter either: \( (a/b)(c/d)(e/f) \) gives the same product regardless of order.
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