What is 2/6 of 86?
Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 2/6 of 86? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.
How to calculate 2/6 of 86?
- Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 86 × 2 = 172
- Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 172/6 = 28.666666666667
- Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
- 172/2 = 86
- 6/2 = 3
- Which gives: 86/3
Since 86/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 28 2/3
How does it work?
The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/6 of 86, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.
Consider the following proportion: (where x represents 2/6 of 86)
- Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators:
- Which gives:
- Divide both sides by 6 to isolate x:
- Which gives the result: (or )
Thus, 2/6 of 86 is equal to 86/3 (or 28.666666666667 in its decimal form).