Question

workmen used 1/2 of a pallet of pavers to build some steps leading up to the mansion. they used 1/6 of a pallet for each step. how many steps did they build? write your answer as a fraction or as a whole or mixed number.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the division problem

We need to find out how many $\frac{1}{6}$ - sized parts are in $\frac{1}{2}$. So we divide $\frac{1}{2}$ by $\frac{1}{6}$, which is $\frac{1}{2}\div\frac{1}{6}$.

Step2: Use the rule of dividing fractions

Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal. So $\frac{1}{2}\div\frac{1}{6}=\frac{1}{2}\times\frac{6}{1}$.

Step3: Calculate the product

$\frac{1}{2}\times\frac{6}{1}=\frac{1\times6}{2\times1}=\frac{6}{2} = 3$.

Answer:

3