What is 2/5 of 26?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 2/5 of 26? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 2/5 of 26?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 26 × 2 = 52
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 52/5 = 10.4

Since 52/5 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 10 2/5

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/5 of 26, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 2 5 = x 26 (where x represents 2/5 of 26)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 2 × 26 = 5 x
  2. Which gives: 52 = 5 x
  3. Divide both sides by 5 to isolate x: 52 5 = 5 x 5
  4. Which gives the result: 52 5 = x

Thus, 2/5 of 26 is equal to 52/5 (or 10.4 in its decimal form).