What is 2/5 of 45?

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

How to calculate 2/5 of 45?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 45 × 2 = 90
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 90/5 = 18
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (5):
    • 90/5 = 18
    • 5/5 = 1
  4. Which gives: 18/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/5 of 45, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 2 5 = x 45 (where x represents 2/5 of 45)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 2 × 45 = 5 x
  2. Which gives: 90 = 5 x
  3. Divide both sides by 5 to isolate x: 90 5 = 5 x 5
  4. Which gives the result: 90 5 = x (or 18 1 = x )

Thus, 2/5 of 45 is equal to 18/1 (or 18 in its decimal form).