Question

Why does it takes 3 copies of 1/6 to show the same amount as 1copy of 1 / 2

Answer 1

Because 3 times 1/6 is 3/6 which can be simplified to 1/2

Answer 2

Because 1/2 ≠ 1/6.

We know that 1/6 < 1/2, so we can set up an equation to see how many copies are needed for them to be equal.

(1/6)x = 1/2
[(1/6)x] × 6 = [1/2] × 6
x = 6/2 = 3

This equation shows that 1/6 × 3 = 1/2, therefore we need 3 copies of 1/6 to equal 1 copy of 1/2.