Which fraction manipulative covers 1/2 of 1/3?

Question

What fraction manipulative is 1/2 of 1/3

Answer 1

John,

 

I don't know what you mean by "manipulative"?

 

If you're asking which mathematical operation (or operand) is used to solve your problem, it is multiplication of two fractions.  The connective word "of" usually means a multiplication involved.

 

So 1/2 of 1/3 = (1/2 )(1/3) = 1/6,  where you multiply the numerators and denominators separately.

 

For example,  (a/b) (c/d) = (ac/bd) and then simplify or reduce it if you can for common factors on top & bottom.

 

BTW.  If you have trouble with fractions, think of a familiar metaphor like a pizza pie. Initially, it gets cut into 3 equal parts.  Now suppose you take one of those big slices, take one-half of it by bisecting it into 2 equal slices, and mentally mark one of those two slices as yours.  Then imagine bisecting the two remaining 1/3-size pieces.  So you now have a pizza cut into 6 equal slices, one of which you mentally marked.  Thus, the answer is 1 slice out of 6 or 1/6.