Half Of 5 5/8: Easy Steps To Find The Answer

4 min read 11-15- 2024
Half Of 5 5/8: Easy Steps To Find The Answer

Table of Contents :

To find half of a mixed number like (5 \frac{5}{8}), you can follow a series of straightforward steps. Let's break it down to make it simple and easy to understand. This guide will ensure you have a solid grasp of how to perform this calculation.

Understanding Mixed Numbers

A mixed number consists of a whole number and a fraction. In our case, (5 \frac{5}{8}) comprises the whole number (5) and the fraction (\frac{5}{8}).

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Half of (5 \frac{5}{8})

Step 1: Convert the Mixed Number to an Improper Fraction

To work with mixed numbers, the first step is to convert them into improper fractions. An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator.

Formula to Convert:

[ \text{Improper Fraction} = \left(\text{Whole Number} \times \text{Denominator}\right) + \text{Numerator} ]

For (5 \frac{5}{8}):

  1. Whole Number = 5
  2. Numerator = 5
  3. Denominator = 8

Calculating the improper fraction:

[ \text{Improper Fraction} = (5 \times 8) + 5 = 40 + 5 = 45 ]

So, (5 \frac{5}{8}) as an improper fraction is (\frac{45}{8}).

Step 2: Divide the Improper Fraction by 2

To find half of (\frac{45}{8}), you divide by 2. Dividing a fraction by a whole number involves multiplying the denominator by that whole number.

[ \frac{45}{8} \div 2 = \frac{45}{8} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{45 \times 1}{8 \times 2} = \frac{45}{16} ]

Step 3: Convert the Improper Fraction Back to a Mixed Number

Now, we will convert (\frac{45}{16}) back to a mixed number.

  1. Divide the numerator by the denominator:

    (45 \div 16 = 2) (whole number)

  2. Calculate the remainder:

    (45 - (16 \times 2) = 45 - 32 = 13)

So, (\frac{45}{16}) can be expressed as:

[ 2 \frac{13}{16} ]

Summary of Steps

Here’s a quick summary of the steps we've taken:

  1. Convert (5 \frac{5}{8}) to an improper fraction: (\frac{45}{8}).
  2. Divide by 2: (\frac{45}{8} \div 2 = \frac{45}{16}).
  3. Convert back to a mixed number: (2 \frac{13}{16}).

Final Answer

Thus, half of (5 \frac{5}{8}) is (2 \frac{13}{16}). 🎉

By following these easy steps, you can find half of any mixed number with confidence!