1. Statement of the problem. Solve the equation $\frac{x}{4} = \frac{1}{2}$. 2. Formula and important rule. For a linear equation with a fraction, multiply both sides by the denominator to isolate the variable. 3. Multiply both sides by 4. $$4 \cdot \frac{x}{4} = 4 \cdot \frac{1}{2}$$ 4. Cancel common factors and simplify. $$\frac{\cancel{4}x}{\cancel{4}} = \frac{4}{2}$$ Show cancellation on the right as a simplification step. $$\frac{\cancel{4}}{\cancel{2}} = 2$$ 5. Conclude the solution. Therefore $x = 2$. Final answer: $x = 2$.