What is 1/10 of 32?
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 32? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.
How to calculate 1/10 of 32?
- Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 32 × 1 = 32
- Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 32/10 = 3.2
- Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
- 32/2 = 16
- 10/2 = 5
- Which gives: 16/5
Since 16/5 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 3 1/5
How does it work?
The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/10 of 32, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.
Consider the following proportion: (where x represents 1/10 of 32)
- Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators:
- Which gives:
- Divide both sides by 10 to isolate x:
- Which gives the result: (or )
Thus, 1/10 of 32 is equal to 16/5 (or 3.2 in its decimal form).