What is 2/8 of 38?

How to calculate 2/8 of 38?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 38 × 2 = 76
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 76/8 = 9.5
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (4):
   • 76/4 = 19
   • 8/4 = 2
4. Which gives: 19/2

Since 19/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 9 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/8 of 38, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{2}{8}=\frac{x}{38}$ (where x represents 2/8 of 38)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $2\times 38=8x$
2. Which gives: $76=8x$
3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: $\frac{76}{8}=\frac{8x}{8}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{76}{8}=x$ (or $\frac{19}{2}=x$)

Thus, 2/8 of 38 is equal to 19/2 (or 9.5 in its decimal form).