What is 3/6 of 5?

How to calculate 3/6 of 5?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 5 × 3 = 15
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 15/6 = 2.5
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
   • 15/3 = 5
   • 6/3 = 2
4. Which gives: 5/2

Since 5/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 2 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/6 of 5, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{3}{6}=\frac{x}{5}$ (where x represents 3/6 of 5)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $3\times 5=6x$
2. Which gives: $15=6x$
3. Divide both sides by 6 to isolate x: $\frac{15}{6}=\frac{6x}{6}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{15}{6}=x$ (or $\frac{5}{2}=x$)

Thus, 3/6 of 5 is equal to 5/2 (or 2.5 in its decimal form).