What is 1/6 of 86?
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 86? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.
How to calculate 1/6 of 86?
- Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 86 × 1 = 86
- Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 86/6 = 14.333333333333
- Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
- 86/2 = 43
- 6/2 = 3
- Which gives: 43/3
Since 43/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 14 1/3
How does it work?
The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/6 of 86, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.
Consider the following proportion: (where x represents 1/6 of 86)
- 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 86 is equal to 43/3 (or 14.333333333333 in its decimal form).