What is 3/6 of 42?

How to calculate 3/6 of 42?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 42 × 3 = 126
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 126/6 = 21
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (6):
   • 126/6 = 21
   • 6/6 = 1
4. Which gives: 21/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/6 of 42, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{3}{6}=\frac{x}{42}$ (where x represents 3/6 of 42)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $3\times 42=6x$
2. Which gives: $126=6x$
3. Divide both sides by 6 to isolate x: $\frac{126}{6}=\frac{6x}{6}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{126}{6}=x$ (or $\frac{21}{1}=x$)

Thus, 3/6 of 42 is equal to 21/1 (or 21 in its decimal form).