What is 3/8 of 100?
Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 3/8 of 100? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.
How to calculate 3/8 of 100?
- Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 100 × 3 = 300
- Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 300/8 = 37.5
- Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (4):
- 300/4 = 75
- 8/4 = 2
- Which gives: 75/2
Since 75/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 37 1/2
How does it work?
The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/8 of 100, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.
Consider the following proportion: (where x represents 3/8 of 100)
- Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators:
- Which gives:
- Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x:
- Which gives the result: (or )
Thus, 3/8 of 100 is equal to 75/2 (or 37.5 in its decimal form).