What is 3/7 of 87?
Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 3/7 of 87? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.
How to calculate 3/7 of 87?
- Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 87 × 3 = 261
- Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 261/7 = 37.285714285714
Since 261/7 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 37 2/7
How does it work?
The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/7 of 87, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.
Consider the following proportion: (where x represents 3/7 of 87)
- Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators:
- Which gives:
- Divide both sides by 7 to isolate x:
- Which gives the result:
Thus, 3/7 of 87 is equal to 261/7 (or 37.285714285714 in its decimal form).