What is 2/10 of 86?

How to calculate 2/10 of 86?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 86 × 2 = 172
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 172/10 = 17.2
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
   • 172/2 = 86
   • 10/2 = 5
4. Which gives: 86/5

Since 86/5 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 17 1/5

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/10 of 86, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{2}{10}=\frac{x}{86}$ (where x represents 2/10 of 86)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $2\times 86=10x$
2. Which gives: $172=10x$
3. Divide both sides by 10 to isolate x: $\frac{172}{10}=\frac{10x}{10}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{172}{10}=x$ (or $\frac{86}{5}=x$)

Thus, 2/10 of 86 is equal to 86/5 (or 17.2 in its decimal form).