What is 3/5 of 48?

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 48? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 3/5 of 48?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 48 × 3 = 144
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 144/5 = 28.8

Since 144/5 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 28 4/5

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/5 of 48, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 3 5 = x 48 (where x represents 3/5 of 48)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 3 × 48 = 5 x
  2. Which gives: 144 = 5 x
  3. Divide both sides by 5 to isolate x: 144 5 = 5 x 5
  4. Which gives the result: 144 5 = x

Thus, 3/5 of 48 is equal to 144/5 (or 28.8 in its decimal form).