What is 1/8 of 12?

How to calculate 1/8 of 12?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 12 × 1 = 12
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 12/8 = 1.5
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (4):
   • 12/4 = 3
   • 8/4 = 2
4. Which gives: 3/2

Since 3/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 1 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/8 of 12, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{1}{8}=\frac{x}{12}$ (where x represents 1/8 of 12)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $1\times 12=8x$
2. Which gives: $12=8x$
3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: $\frac{12}{8}=\frac{8x}{8}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{12}{8}=x$ (or $\frac{3}{2}=x$)

Thus, 1/8 of 12 is equal to 3/2 (or 1.5 in its decimal form).