The construction engineer calculated that she needed 4 support pillars of equal size. She ordered \( 1 / 2 \) of a ton of concrete to make the support pillars. How much concrete did she use for each support piltar? Write your answer as a fraction or as a whote or mixed number.

The construction engineer ordered \( \frac{1}{2} \) of a ton of concrete to make 4 equal support pillars. To find out how much concrete she used for each pillar, you divide the total concrete by the number of pillars: \[ \frac{1}{2} \text{ ton} \div 4 = \frac{1}{2} \times \frac{1}{4} = \frac{1}{8} \text{ ton} \] Thus, she used \( \frac{1}{8} \) of a ton of concrete for each support pillar. Dividing materials evenly is crucial in construction, ensuring each pillar can bear the required load. It’s a bit like slicing a pizza: each slice must be of equal size so everyone gets a fair share—no more, no less. When dealing with measurements, always double-check your calculations. A common mistake is forgetting to convert units or misplacing a decimal, leading to shortages or excess materials. So, don’t skimp on your processes—triple-checking can save you a headache later on!