Question

What is the algebraic expression for half of a number?

Answer 1

Hint: First we need to convert the given word problem into algebraic expression. That is an algebraic expression in mathematics is an expression which is made up of variables and constants along with algebraic operations. An expression is a group of terms. Here algebraic operations are addition, subtraction, division and multiplication etc. After obtaining the algebraic expression we can simplify.

Complete step-by-step solutions:
We have half of a number.
Here the number is unknown and we take that unknown as ‘x’.
Then half of a number, becomes
\[ \Rightarrow \dfrac{1}{2} \times x\]
Or
\[ \Rightarrow \dfrac{x}{2}\].
If we know the value of ‘x’ we can find the value of a given expression.

Thus the required answer is \[\dfrac{1}{2} \times x\]

Note: Algebra helps in converting a mathematical statement into an equation. We know if we have ‘more’ or ‘sum’ in the given sentence we use addition operation\[( + )\]. Similarly If we have ‘less’ or ‘difference’ we use subtraction \[( - )\]. If we have a ‘quotient’ we use division operation \[( \div )\]. To define more generalized terms; we use algebra. It is a very vast branch of mathematics and is used in all the branches of mathematics like polynomial, linear equations, graphs, etc. and in daily life too.