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?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 32 × 1 = 32
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 32/10 = 3.2
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 32/2 = 16
    • 10/2 = 5
  4. 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: 1 10 = x 32 (where x represents 1/10 of 32)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 1 × 32 = 10 x
  2. Which gives: 32 = 10 x
  3. Divide both sides by 10 to isolate x: 32 10 = 10 x 10
  4. Which gives the result: 32 10 = x (or 16 5 = x )

Thus, 1/10 of 32 is equal to 16/5 (or 3.2 in its decimal form).