FMSpecimen exam - forward rate

Hi, I need help with Q2 from section A, specimen exam. the formula for forward rate is: spot rate x (1+int rate foreign country)/(1+int rate in base country). Why do the ad the last bit at the power of 0.5? I know the formula is for fwd rate in 1 year time and the answer should be in 6 months time. However, I don't understand..... Many thanks, Gabi