What is 3/8 of 18?

How to calculate 3/8 of 18?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 18 × 3 = 54
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 54/8 = 6.75
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
   • 54/2 = 27
   • 8/2 = 4
4. Which gives: 27/4

Since 27/4 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 6 3/4

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/8 of 18, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{3}{8}=\frac{x}{18}$ (where x represents 3/8 of 18)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $3\times 18=8x$
2. Which gives: $54=8x$
3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: $\frac{54}{8}=\frac{8x}{8}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{54}{8}=x$ (or $\frac{27}{4}=x$)

Thus, 3/8 of 18 is equal to 27/4 (or 6.75 in its decimal form).