What is 1/6 of 87?

How to calculate 1/6 of 87?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 87 × 1 = 87
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 87/6 = 14.5
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
   • 87/3 = 29
   • 6/3 = 2
4. Which gives: 29/2

Since 29/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 14 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/6 of 87, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{1}{6}=\frac{x}{87}$ (where x represents 1/6 of 87)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $1\times 87=6x$
2. Which gives: $87=6x$
3. Divide both sides by 6 to isolate x: $\frac{87}{6}=\frac{6x}{6}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{87}{6}=x$ (or $\frac{29}{2}=x$)

Thus, 1/6 of 87 is equal to 29/2 (or 14.5 in its decimal form).