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sspence · Mar 7, 2006, 08:34 PM

how do you convert the math problem 5x (2/3 x 1/2) to get the answer?

kp2171 · Mar 7, 2006, 08:45 PM

you first solve what in the brackets first, then multiply by 5.

so do you how to multiply 2/3 x 1/2? Based on the nature of the problem, you should.

then take that answer and multiply by 5.

hint: what is half of one half? 1/4 right? Half of a dollar is 50 cents. Half of 50 cents is a quarter. So 1/2 * 1/2 = 1/4. that should get you started wout giving you the answer

CaptainForest · Mar 7, 2006, 09:48 PM

2 x 1 = 2
3 x 2 = 6
2/6 = 1/3

5x(1/3)

Answer: (5/3)x

fredg · Mar 8, 2006, 05:24 AM

Hi,
When multiplying fractions:
Multiply across the top, then multiply across the bottom.
2/3 x 1/2 means, as in the other answer.
Multiply the top, 2x1, get 2.
Multiply the bottom, 3/2, get 6
That is 2/6, you can also reduce the answer to 1/3.

kp2171 · Mar 8, 2006, 08:30 AM

Hmm... guess my giving hints without giving the actual answer was a waste of a post.

So much for making the person try the problem and having them post to see if they got it right.

I'm not against helping solve a problem, but lets give the person a chance to work it out. At least state what they are getting for a wrong answer.

If I didn't explain it clearly or there's another angle, great. I just hate it when students get an answer given to them. this is how people failed my tests. looked at answers they were given by others, thought they understood it, and then failed to have the connections needed to do the problem on their own.

Yes, I always gave solved examples in class. Yes, sometimes getting a person to see the problem worked through to the end might be the only way they'll get to the next step. But I'm just not so prone to providing an outright answer in most cases. You see those people repost with the same kind of problems later, asking for answers.

CaptainForest · Mar 8, 2006, 08:48 PM

kp2171,

You bring up some valid points. But 1 simple fraction question is never going to hurt anyone.

I myself am capable of doing work on my own, although sometimes when I'm stuck, getting the solution works for me.

Although, as a teacher (former?), you do have the teacher's point of view on it…

kp2171 · Mar 9, 2006, 09:00 AM

one problem hurts nobody. This is probably just shell shock from when I used to teach and would see students copying answers from other in the classroom before class. I could see it. i'm in the room folks.

yeah, and I seem to be more grumpy in the morning. =) maybe I should only answer posts in the evening. Low blood sugar? Or maybe my irish temper. =)

yeah. Former teacher. All I do now is occasionally privately tutor the sciences and prep for med school. The work load just became unbelievable. To do a good job meant hours and hours of grading and time away from my family. Was OK when I was single.