What is 1/4 of 17?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 1/4 of 17? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 1/4 of 17?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 17 × 1 = 17
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 17/4 = 4.25

Since 17/4 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 4 1/4

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/4 of 17, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 1 4 = x 17 (where x represents 1/4 of 17)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 1 × 17 = 4 x
  2. Which gives: 17 = 4 x
  3. Divide both sides by 4 to isolate x: 17 4 = 4 x 4
  4. Which gives the result: 17 4 = x

Thus, 1/4 of 17 is equal to 17/4 (or 4.25 in its decimal form).