What is 1/3 of 87?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 1/3 of 87? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 1/3 of 87?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 87 × 1 = 87
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 87/3 = 29
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
    • 87/3 = 29
    • 3/3 = 1
  4. Which gives: 29/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/3 of 87, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 1 3 = x 87 (where x represents 1/3 of 87)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 1 × 87 = 3 x
  2. Which gives: 87 = 3 x
  3. Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x: 87 3 = 3 x 3
  4. Which gives the result: 87 3 = x (or 29 1 = x )

Thus, 1/3 of 87 is equal to 29/1 (or 29 in its decimal form).