Question

If you subtract $\dfrac{1}{2}$ from a number multiply the result by $\dfrac{1}{2}$, you get $\dfrac{1}{8}$, what is the number?

Answer 1

Hint: In this question, we have to find the number whose equalities are given. First thing to do is let the number be $x$ and proceed according to the statement in question.

Complete step-by-step answer:

Let the number be $x$
Subtract $\dfrac{1}{2}$from number $ = \left( {x - \dfrac{1}{2}} \right)$
And multiply it by $\dfrac{1}{2}$
$ = \dfrac{1}{2} \times \left( {x - \dfrac{1}{2}} \right)$
According to question
$
  \dfrac{1}{2} \times \left( {x - \dfrac{1}{2}} \right) = \dfrac{1}{8} \\
  x - \dfrac{1}{2} = \dfrac{2}{8} \\
  x = \dfrac{1}{2} + \dfrac{1}{4} \\
  x = \dfrac{3}{4} \\
$
Hence, the required number is $\dfrac{3}{4}$.

Note: In order such problems first start by considering the given number in terms of some unknown value. With help of the problem statement try to modify the problem in some algebraic equation. This problem can also be solved by a reverse method starting with the final number and doing the reverse of all the operations given.