What is 2/8 of 18?

How to calculate 2/8 of 18?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 18 × 2 = 36
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 36/8 = 4.5
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (4):
   • 36/4 = 9
   • 8/4 = 2
4. Which gives: 9/2

Since 9/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 4 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/8 of 18, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{2}{8}=\frac{x}{18}$ (where x represents 2/8 of 18)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $2\times 18=8x$
2. Which gives: $36=8x$
3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: $\frac{36}{8}=\frac{8x}{8}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{36}{8}=x$ (or $\frac{9}{2}=x$)

Thus, 2/8 of 18 is equal to 9/2 (or 4.5 in its decimal form).