What is 2/5 of 54?

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

How to calculate 2/5 of 54?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 54 × 2 = 108
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 108/5 = 21.6

Since 108/5 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 21 3/5

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/5 of 54, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 2 5 = x 54 (where x represents 2/5 of 54)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 2 × 54 = 5 x
  2. Which gives: 108 = 5 x
  3. Divide both sides by 5 to isolate x: 108 5 = 5 x 5
  4. Which gives the result: 108 5 = x

Thus, 2/5 of 54 is equal to 108/5 (or 21.6 in its decimal form).