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1/2 Puzzle: What Number Gives the Same Result When Added to 1/2 as When Multiplied by 1/2?
Published on September 4, 2024
Algebra
This math puzzle asks you to find a number that gives the same result when added to 1/2 as when multiplied by 1/2. The solution is -1.
Question
Answer
Let’s call the unknown number “x”. We can set up an equation to represent the problem:
- Adding to 1/2: x + 1/2
- Multiplying by 1/2: x * (1/2)
The problem states these two expressions are equal, so we have:
x + 1/2 = x * (1/2)
Now we can solve for x:
- Simplify: x + 1/2 = (1/2)x
- Subtract (1/2)x from both sides: (1/2)x + 1/2 = 0
- Subtract 1/2 from both sides: (1/2)x = -1/2
- Multiply both sides by 2: x = -1
Therefore, the number is -1.