What is 3/2 of 87?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 3/2 of 87? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 3/2 of 87?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 87 × 3 = 261
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 261/2 = 130.5

Since 261/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 130 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/2 of 87, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 3 2 = x 87 (where x represents 3/2 of 87)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 3 × 87 = 2 x
  2. Which gives: 261 = 2 x
  3. Divide both sides by 2 to isolate x: 261 2 = 2 x 2
  4. Which gives the result: 261 2 = x

Thus, 3/2 of 87 is equal to 261/2 (or 130.5 in its decimal form).