What is 2/3 of 40?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 2/3 of 40? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 2/3 of 40?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 40 × 2 = 80
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 80/3 = 26.666666666667

Since 80/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 26 2/3

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/3 of 40, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 2 3 = x 40 (where x represents 2/3 of 40)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 2 × 40 = 3 x
  2. Which gives: 80 = 3 x
  3. Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x: 80 3 = 3 x 3
  4. Which gives the result: 80 3 = x

Thus, 2/3 of 40 is equal to 80/3 (or 26.666666666667 in its decimal form).