What is 1/2 of 24?
Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 1/2 of 24? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.
How to calculate 1/2 of 24?
- Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 24 × 1 = 24
- Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 24/2 = 12
- Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
- 24/2 = 12
- 2/2 = 1
- Which gives: 12/1
How does it work?
The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/2 of 24, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.
Consider the following proportion: (where x represents 1/2 of 24)
- Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators:
- Which gives:
- Divide both sides by 2 to isolate x:
- Which gives the result: (or )
Thus, 1/2 of 24 is equal to 12/1 (or 12 in its decimal form).