Benjamin believes that 1 half percent is equivalent to 50% . is he correct ? why or why not ?

1/2% is equivalent to 50%. 1/2% is like saying 50% but in another form. 50/100= 1/2. It is basically the same thing, with the exception that it is in a simplified fraction form of 50%.  Look, it still end up being the same decimal:

1/2%=.5 50%=.5

I hope this helps!
~kaikers

He is correct because 1/2 percent means half of the price, and 50% is also half of the price.
For ex.. if the price is $600.. 1 half of that would be $300.. Also 50% of 600 is also $300.

No he does not because he can only cover 12 square feet from 15 square feet which he will still need 3 more. this is because if 3×5=15 square feet and 15-12=3 which thats the answer