What is 1/10 of 16?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 1/10 of 16? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 1/10 of 16?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 16 × 1 = 16
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 16/10 = 1.6
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 16/2 = 8
    • 10/2 = 5
  4. Which gives: 8/5

Since 8/5 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 1 3/5

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/10 of 16, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 1 10 = x 16 (where x represents 1/10 of 16)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 1 × 16 = 10 x
  2. Which gives: 16 = 10 x
  3. Divide both sides by 10 to isolate x: 16 10 = 10 x 10
  4. Which gives the result: 16 10 = x (or 8 5 = x )

Thus, 1/10 of 16 is equal to 8/5 (or 1.6 in its decimal form).