What is 2/9 of 42?

How to calculate 2/9 of 42?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 42 × 2 = 84
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 84/9 = 9.3333333333333
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
   • 84/3 = 28
   • 9/3 = 3
4. Which gives: 28/3

Since 28/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 9 1/3

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 2/9 of 42, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{2}{9}=\frac{x}{42}$ (where x represents 2/9 of 42)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $2\times 42=9x$
2. Which gives: $84=9x$
3. Divide both sides by 9 to isolate x: $\frac{84}{9}=\frac{9x}{9}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{84}{9}=x$ (or $\frac{28}{3}=x$)

Thus, 2/9 of 42 is equal to 28/3 (or 9.3333333333333 in its decimal form).