What is 1/4 of 86?

How to calculate 1/4 of 86?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 86 × 1 = 86
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 86/4 = 21.5
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
   • 86/2 = 43
   • 4/2 = 2
4. Which gives: 43/2

Since 43/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 21 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/4 of 86, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{1}{4}=\frac{x}{86}$ (where x represents 1/4 of 86)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $1\times 86=4x$
2. Which gives: $86=4x$
3. Divide both sides by 4 to isolate x: $\frac{86}{4}=\frac{4x}{4}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{86}{4}=x$ (or $\frac{43}{2}=x$)

Thus, 1/4 of 86 is equal to 43/2 (or 21.5 in its decimal form).