Evaluate 1/2-4

$\frac{1}{2} - 4$

Step 1

To write $- 4$ as a fraction with a common denominator, multiply by $\frac{2}{2}$ .

$\frac{1}{2} - 4 \cdot \frac{2}{2}$

Step 2

Combine $- 4$ and $\frac{2}{2}$ .

$\frac{1}{2} + \frac{- 4 \cdot 2}{2}$

Step 3

Combine the numerators over the common denominator.

$\frac{1 - 4 \cdot 2}{2}$

Step 4

Simplify the numerator.

Multiply $- 4$ by $2$ .

$\frac{1 - 8}{2}$

Subtract $8$ from $1$ .

$\frac{- 7}{2}$

Step 5

Move the negative in front of the fraction.

$- \frac{7}{2}$

Step 6

The result can be shown in multiple forms.

Exact Form:

$- \frac{7}{2}$

Decimal Form:

$- 3.5$

Mixed Number Form:

$- 3 \frac{1}{2}$