What is 2/10 of 42?

How to calculate 2/10 of 42?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 42 × 2 = 84
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 84/10 = 8.4
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
   • 84/2 = 42
   • 10/2 = 5
4. Which gives: 42/5

Since 42/5 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 8 2/5

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/10 of 42, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{2}{10}=\frac{x}{42}$ (where x represents 2/10 of 42)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $2\times 42=10x$
2. Which gives: $84=10x$
3. Divide both sides by 10 to isolate x: $\frac{84}{10}=\frac{10x}{10}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{84}{10}=x$ (or $\frac{42}{5}=x$)

Thus, 2/10 of 42 is equal to 42/5 (or 8.4 in its decimal form).