What is 1/9 of 48?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 1/9 of 48? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 1/9 of 48?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 48 × 1 = 48
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 48/9 = 5.3333333333333
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
    • 48/3 = 16
    • 9/3 = 3
  4. Which gives: 16/3

Since 16/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 5 1/3

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 1/9 of 48, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 1 9 = x 48 (where x represents 1/9 of 48)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 1 × 48 = 9 x
  2. Which gives: 48 = 9 x
  3. Divide both sides by 9 to isolate x: 48 9 = 9 x 9
  4. Which gives the result: 48 9 = x (or 16 3 = x )

Thus, 1/9 of 48 is equal to 16/3 (or 5.3333333333333 in its decimal form).