What is 3/5 of 71?

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

How to calculate 3/5 of 71?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 71 × 3 = 213
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 213/5 = 42.6

Since 213/5 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 42 3/5

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/5 of 71, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 3 5 = x 71 (where x represents 3/5 of 71)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 3 × 71 = 5 x
  2. Which gives: 213 = 5 x
  3. Divide both sides by 5 to isolate x: 213 5 = 5 x 5
  4. Which gives the result: 213 5 = x

Thus, 3/5 of 71 is equal to 213/5 (or 42.6 in its decimal form).