What is 3/5 of 24?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 3/5 of 24? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 3/5 of 24?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 24 × 3 = 72
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 72/5 = 14.4

Since 72/5 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 14 2/5

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/5 of 24, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 3 5 = x 24 (where x represents 3/5 of 24)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 3 × 24 = 5 x
  2. Which gives: 72 = 5 x
  3. Divide both sides by 5 to isolate x: 72 5 = 5 x 5
  4. Which gives the result: 72 5 = x

Thus, 3/5 of 24 is equal to 72/5 (or 14.4 in its decimal form).