What is 3/8 of 54?

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 54? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 3/8 of 54?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 54 × 3 = 162
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 162/8 = 20.25
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 162/2 = 81
    • 8/2 = 4
  4. Which gives: 81/4

Since 81/4 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 20 1/4

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/8 of 54, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 3 8 = x 54 (where x represents 3/8 of 54)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 3 × 54 = 8 x
  2. Which gives: 162 = 8 x
  3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: 162 8 = 8 x 8
  4. Which gives the result: 162 8 = x (or 81 4 = x )

Thus, 3/8 of 54 is equal to 81/4 (or 20.25 in its decimal form).