What is 1/10 of 85?

How to calculate 1/10 of 85?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 85 × 1 = 85
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 85/10 = 8.5
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (5):
   • 85/5 = 17
   • 10/5 = 2
4. Which gives: 17/2

Since 17/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 8 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/10 of 85, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{1}{10}=\frac{x}{85}$ (where x represents 1/10 of 85)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $1\times 85=10x$
2. Which gives: $85=10x$
3. Divide both sides by 10 to isolate x: $\frac{85}{10}=\frac{10x}{10}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{85}{10}=x$ (or $\frac{17}{2}=x$)

Thus, 1/10 of 85 is equal to 17/2 (or 8.5 in its decimal form).