What is 2/4 of 4?
Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 2/4 of 4? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.
How to calculate 2/4 of 4?
- Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 4 × 2 = 8
- Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 8/4 = 2
- Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (4):
- 8/4 = 2
- 4/4 = 1
- Which gives: 2/1
How does it work?
The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/4 of 4, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.
Consider the following proportion: (where x represents 2/4 of 4)
- Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators:
- Which gives:
- Divide both sides by 4 to isolate x:
- Which gives the result: (or )
Thus, 2/4 of 4 is equal to 2/1 (or 2 in its decimal form).