What is 2/5 of 80?

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

How to calculate 2/5 of 80?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 80 × 2 = 160
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 160/5 = 32
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (5):
    • 160/5 = 32
    • 5/5 = 1
  4. Which gives: 32/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/5 of 80, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 2 5 = x 80 (where x represents 2/5 of 80)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 2 × 80 = 5 x
  2. Which gives: 160 = 5 x
  3. Divide both sides by 5 to isolate x: 160 5 = 5 x 5
  4. Which gives the result: 160 5 = x (or 32 1 = x )

Thus, 2/5 of 80 is equal to 32/1 (or 32 in its decimal form).