Question

which diagram best shows how fraction bars can be used to evaluate $\frac{1}{2}div\frac{1}{4}$?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall fraction - division concept

Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. So, $\frac{1}{2}\div\frac{1}{4}=\frac{1}{2}\times\frac{4}{1}$.

Step2: Analyze fraction - bars

We need to find how many $\frac{1}{4}$ are in $\frac{1}{2}$. If we look at fraction - bars, the first bar is divided into 2 equal parts to represent $\frac{1}{2}$ and the second bar is divided into 4 equal parts to represent $\frac{1}{4}$. We can see that 2 of the $\frac{1}{4}$ parts fit into $\frac{1}{2}$.

Answer:

The first diagram (where the $\frac{1}{2}$ bar and $\frac{1}{4}$ bars are shown and 2 of the $\frac{1}{4}$ parts are circled within the $\frac{1}{2}$ part) best shows how to evaluate $\frac{1}{2}\div\frac{1}{4}$.