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?
- Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 87 × 1 = 87
- Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 87/3 = 29
- Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
- 87/3 = 29
- 3/3 = 1
- 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: (where x represents 1/3 of 87)
- Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators:
- Which gives:
- Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x:
- Which gives the result: (or )
Thus, 1/3 of 87 is equal to 29/1 (or 29 in its decimal form).