What is 2/8 of 71?

How to calculate 2/8 of 71?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 71 × 2 = 142
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 142/8 = 17.75
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
   • 142/2 = 71
   • 8/2 = 4
4. Which gives: 71/4

Since 71/4 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 17 3/4

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/8 of 71, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{2}{8}=\frac{x}{71}$ (where x represents 2/8 of 71)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $2\times 71=8x$
2. Which gives: $142=8x$
3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: $\frac{142}{8}=\frac{8x}{8}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{142}{8}=x$ (or $\frac{71}{4}=x$)

Thus, 2/8 of 71 is equal to 71/4 (or 17.75 in its decimal form).