What is 2/4 of 87?

How to calculate 2/4 of 87?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 87 × 2 = 174
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 174/4 = 43.5
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
   • 174/2 = 87
   • 4/2 = 2
4. Which gives: 87/2

Since 87/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 43 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/4 of 87, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{2}{4}=\frac{x}{87}$ (where x represents 2/4 of 87)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $2\times 87=4x$
2. Which gives: $174=4x$
3. Divide both sides by 4 to isolate x: $\frac{174}{4}=\frac{4x}{4}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{174}{4}=x$ (or $\frac{87}{2}=x$)

Thus, 2/4 of 87 is equal to 87/2 (or 43.5 in its decimal form).