What is the result of the following decimal multiplication: .5 x .5?

• A. .5
• B. .25
• C. 1
• D. .75

Answer: (B)

To find the result of multiplying .5 by .5, it is helpful to think of these decimals as fractions. The decimal .5 is equivalent to ( \frac{1}{2} ). Therefore, the multiplication can be expressed as:

[

\frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 1}{2 \times 2} = \frac{1}{4}

]

The fraction ( \frac{1}{4} ) can be converted back to a decimal form, which is 0.25. This shows that the product of .5 and .5 yields .25, confirming the correctness of the answer.

Understanding this multiplication involves recognizing that when you multiply two numbers that are both less than one, their product will also be less than either of the original numbers. Thus, multiplying two halves results in a quarter. This is a fundamental principle in decimal and fractional multiplication.