What is 1/6 of 16?
Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 1/6 of 16? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.
How to calculate 1/6 of 16?
- Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 16 × 1 = 16
- Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 16/6 = 2.6666666666667
- Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
- 16/2 = 8
- 6/2 = 3
- Which gives: 8/3
Since 8/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 2 2/3
How does it work?
The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/6 of 16, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.
Consider the following proportion: (where x represents 1/6 of 16)
- Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators:
- Which gives:
- Divide both sides by 6 to isolate x:
- Which gives the result: (or )
Thus, 1/6 of 16 is equal to 8/3 (or 2.6666666666667 in its decimal form).