What is \( \frac{1}{2} \) of \( 18 ? \)

To find \( \frac{1}{2} \) of \( 18 \), you simply divide \( 18 \) by \( 2 \). So, \( 18 \div 2 = 9 \). Therefore, \( \frac{1}{2} \) of \( 18 \) is \( 9 \)! Did you know that fractions like \( \frac{1}{2} \) have been used since ancient times? The Babylonians had advanced mathematical concepts that included fractions as far back as 2000 B.C.! They would often use a base-60 system, which influenced how we deal with fractions today. In the real world, understanding fractions and how to manipulate them is crucial! For example, when cooking, if a recipe calls for \( 18 \) cups of flour but you only want to make half the recipe, knowing how to calculate \( \frac{1}{2} \) of that amount (which is \( 9 \) cups) helps you avoid a kitchen disaster!