What is 1/6 of 20?

How to calculate 1/6 of 20?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 20 × 1 = 20
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 20/6 = 3.3333333333333
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
   • 20/2 = 10
   • 6/2 = 3
4. Which gives: 10/3

Since 10/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 3 1/3

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/6 of 20, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{1}{6}=\frac{x}{20}$ (where x represents 1/6 of 20)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $1\times 20=6x$
2. Which gives: $20=6x$
3. Divide both sides by 6 to isolate x: $\frac{20}{6}=\frac{6x}{6}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{20}{6}=x$ (or $\frac{10}{3}=x$)

Thus, 1/6 of 20 is equal to 10/3 (or 3.3333333333333 in its decimal form).