What is 1/6 of 56?

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 56? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 1/6 of 56?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 56 × 1 = 56
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 56/6 = 9.3333333333333
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 56/2 = 28
    • 6/2 = 3
  4. Which gives: 28/3

Since 28/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 9 1/3

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/6 of 56, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 1 6 = x 56 (where x represents 1/6 of 56)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 1 × 56 = 6 x
  2. Which gives: 56 = 6 x
  3. Divide both sides by 6 to isolate x: 56 6 = 6 x 6
  4. Which gives the result: 56 6 = x (or 28 3 = x )

Thus, 1/6 of 56 is equal to 28/3 (or 9.3333333333333 in its decimal form).