What is 1/6 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 1/6 of 17? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 1/6 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: 17/6 = 2.8333333333333

Since 17/6 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 2 5/6

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/6 of 17, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 1 6 = x 17 (where x represents 1/6 of 17)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 1 × 17 = 6 x
  2. Which gives: 17 = 6 x
  3. Divide both sides by 6 to isolate x: 17 6 = 6 x 6
  4. Which gives the result: 17 6 = x

Thus, 1/6 of 17 is equal to 17/6 (or 2.8333333333333 in its decimal form).