What is 2/10 of 16?

How to calculate 2/10 of 16?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 16 × 2 = 32
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 32/10 = 3.2
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
   • 32/2 = 16
   • 10/2 = 5
4. Which gives: 16/5

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

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/10 of 16, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{2}{10}=\frac{x}{16}$ (where x represents 2/10 of 16)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $2\times 16=10x$
2. Which gives: $32=10x$
3. Divide both sides by 10 to isolate x: $\frac{32}{10}=\frac{10x}{10}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{32}{10}=x$ (or $\frac{16}{5}=x$)

Thus, 2/10 of 16 is equal to 16/5 (or 3.2 in its decimal form).