What is 2/3 of 8?

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 8? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 2/3 of 8?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 8 × 2 = 16
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 16/3 = 5.3333333333333

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 2/3 of 8, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 2 3 = x 8 (where x represents 2/3 of 8)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 2 × 8 = 3 x
  2. Which gives: 16 = 3 x
  3. Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x: 16 3 = 3 x 3
  4. Which gives the result: 16 3 = x

Thus, 2/3 of 8 is equal to 16/3 (or 5.3333333333333 in its decimal form).