The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A) 325.
The question asks for half of the number 650. Finding half of any value is equivalent to dividing it by two. Therefore, the mathematical problem we need to solve is 650 ÷ 2. There are a few different methods to arrive at the correct answer.
One of the most straightforward mental math strategies is to break the number 650 into smaller, more manageable components. We can think of 650 as the sum of 600 and 50. This approach allows us to work with easier numbers. First, we calculate half of 600. Since half of 6 is 3, half of 600 is 300. Next, we find half of 50, which is 25. To get the final answer, we simply add these two results together: 300 + 25 = 325. This decomposition method makes the calculation much simpler than trying to divide the entire number at once.
Another reliable method is to use standard long division. When you set up the division of 650 by 2, you begin with the hundreds place. You divide 6 by 2, which gives you 3. Then, you move to the tens place and divide 5 by 2. This results in 2 with a remainder of 1. This remainder of 1 (which represents 10) is carried over and combined with the 0 in the ones place, creating the number 10. Finally, you divide 10 by 2, which gives you 5. By placing these digits in order, you get the answer 325.
Evaluating the other options confirms this is the correct choice. Option B, 220, is half of 440. Option C, 350, is half of 700. Someone might arrive at this answer if they incorrectly round 650 up. Option D, 250, is half of 500. Both calculations confirm that 325 is the correct half of 650, making option A the correct answer.
