Math Problem Statement

What is the value of (1/2 + 2/4 + 3/6 + 4/8 + 5/10) - (1/4 + 2/8 + 3/12 + 4/16)?

Solution

To solve the given expression:

(12+24+36+48+510)(14+28+312+416)\left(\frac{1}{2} + \frac{2}{4} + \frac{3}{6} + \frac{4}{8} + \frac{5}{10}\right) - \left(\frac{1}{4} + \frac{2}{8} + \frac{3}{12} + \frac{4}{16}\right)

Step 1: Simplify each term in the expression

First part:

12=0.5,24=0.5,36=0.5,48=0.5,510=0.5\frac{1}{2} = 0.5, \quad \frac{2}{4} = 0.5, \quad \frac{3}{6} = 0.5, \quad \frac{4}{8} = 0.5, \quad \frac{5}{10} = 0.5 Adding these: 0.5+0.5+0.5+0.5+0.5=2.50.5 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.5 + 0.5 = 2.5

Second part:

14=0.25,28=0.25,312=0.25,416=0.25\frac{1}{4} = 0.25, \quad \frac{2}{8} = 0.25, \quad \frac{3}{12} = 0.25, \quad \frac{4}{16} = 0.25 Adding these: 0.25+0.25+0.25+0.25=10.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 1

Step 2: Subtract the second part from the first part:

2.51=1.52.5 - 1 = 1.5

Final Answer:

The value of the expression is 1.5 (Option A).

Would you like further clarification on any of the steps? Here are some related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How do we simplify fractions in general?
  2. Can you explain why all terms in the first part simplify to 0.5?
  3. What happens if fractions have different denominators in addition?
  4. Why is subtraction done term-by-term when dealing with fractions?
  5. How can this problem be solved using the least common denominator?

Tip: Always simplify fractions before summing them up to make calculations easier!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Fraction Simplification
Arithmetic Operations
Addition and Subtraction of Fractions

Formulas

Fraction simplification formula: a/b = a ÷ b

Theorems

Properties of Fractions
Arithmetic Rules for Addition and Subtraction

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 5-7