Understanding the Division of 58.45 by 2: A Comprehensive Guide

Many math problems can be solved through the process of division. One such problem is divising 58.45 by 2. This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of understanding why and how we divide 58.45 by 2 to find its half. We will explore the concept of mixed fractions and decimal to fraction conversion, providing a deep dive into each step of the solution.

Introduction to Division of 58.45 by 2

Let's start with the basic problem: How do we divide 58.45 by 2? This question might seem straightforward, but it involves some interesting mathematical concepts.

Breaking Down 58.45

First, let's break down 58.45. This number can be expressed as a mixed fraction. In decimal form, 58.45 can be written as:

58.45 58 0.45

Here, 58 is the whole number part, and 0.45 is the decimal part. To convert this decimal to a fraction, we can express 0.45 as:

0.45 45 / 100

Now, to simplify 45/100, we can divide both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). The GCD of 45 and 100 is 5, so we get:

45 / 100 (45 / 5) / (100 / 5) 9 / 20

Therefore, 58.45 as a mixed fraction is:

58.45 58 9/20 58 9/20

Dividing the Mixed Fraction by 2

Now, to find half of 58 9/20, we need to divide the entire mixed fraction by 2. This is a two-step process:

Divide the whole number part by 2. Divide the fractional part by 2.

Let's start with the whole number part:

58 / 2 29

Next, we handle the fractional part:

9/20 / 2 (9/20) * (1/2) 9/40

Now, combine the results of both parts:

Therefore, half of 58 9/20 is:

29 9/40

Converting 29 9/40 back to its decimal form, we get:

29 9/40 29 0.225 29.225

Conclusion

In summary, when we divide 58.45 by 2, we are essentially performing a two-part division: dividing the whole number by 2 and the decimal by 2. This process helps us understand the concept of mixed fractions and how to convert decimals to fractions, which is a valuable skill in mathematics.

Further Reading and Resources

For a more in-depth understanding, you might find articles and tutorials on Math is Fun and Better Explained helpful. These websites provide comprehensive explanations and visual aids to make complex mathematical concepts more accessible.