What is 2/4 of 17?

How to calculate 2/4 of 17?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 17 × 2 = 34
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 34/4 = 8.5
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
   • 34/2 = 17
   • 4/2 = 2
4. Which gives: 17/2

Since 17/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 8 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/4 of 17, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{2}{4}=\frac{x}{17}$ (where x represents 2/4 of 17)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $2\times 17=4x$
2. Which gives: $34=4x$
3. Divide both sides by 4 to isolate x: $\frac{34}{4}=\frac{4x}{4}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{34}{4}=x$ (or $\frac{17}{2}=x$)

Thus, 2/4 of 17 is equal to 17/2 (or 8.5 in its decimal form).