Answer:
Ben will have 80 pieces of cord.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you cut something into equal parts, you are dividing it.
The question can be rephrased as "how many 1/2ft. cords can bet cut from a 40ft cord?"
40 ÷ [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]
[tex]\frac{40}{1}[/tex] ÷ [tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]
When dividing two fractions, flip the second fraction and multiply for a simpler equation.
[tex]\frac{40}{1}[\tex] × [tex]\frac{2}{1}[/tex] ft
[tex]\frac{40}{1}[\tex] × 2
40 × 2 = 80
Ben will have 80 pieces of cord.
EDIT: wow that math looks messy, I'm trying to clean it up. please comment if you have concerns