Question

Which of the following problems cannot be solved using the math expression
$\frac{1}{2}÷5$?

• A. A magnet occupies $\frac{1}{2}$ square inches of area. Calculate the area occupied by 5 such magnets.
• B. $\frac{1}{2}$ kilograms of jam is equally divided in 5 cups. Calculate the amount of jam in each cup.
• C. $\frac{1}{2}$ of a bookshelf is occupied with 5 books. Calculate the fraction of space occupied by each book.

Answer 1

The correct option is A A magnet occupies $\frac{1}{2}$ square inches of area. Calculate the area occupied by 5 such magnets.

Let’s look at each option one by one.
Total quantity of jam $=\frac{1}{2}\text{kg}$
Total number of cups $=5$
Quantity of jam in each cup $=$ total quantity of jam $÷$ total number of cups $=\frac{1}{2}÷5$
The given problem ca be solved usig the math expression $\frac{1}{2}÷5$

Option B:
Fraction of space occupied by the books $=\frac{1}{2}$
Number of books $=5$
Fraction of space occupied by each book $=$ fraction of space occupied by the books $÷$ number of books $=\frac{1}{2}÷5$
The given problem can be solved using the math expression $=\frac{1}{2}÷5$

Option C:
Number of magnets $=5$
Area occupied by each magnet $=\frac{1}{2}$ sq in
Total area occupied by $5$ magnets $=$ number of magnets $\times$ area occupied by each magnet $=5\times \frac{1}{2}$ sq in
The given problem cannot be solved using the math expression $\frac{1}{2}÷5$.
Hence, option C is the correct answer.