What is 3/8 of 58?

How to calculate 3/8 of 58?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 58 × 3 = 174
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 174/8 = 21.75
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
   • 174/2 = 87
   • 8/2 = 4
4. Which gives: 87/4

Since 87/4 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 21 3/4

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/8 of 58, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{3}{8}=\frac{x}{58}$ (where x represents 3/8 of 58)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $3\times 58=8x$
2. Which gives: $174=8x$
3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: $\frac{174}{8}=\frac{8x}{8}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{174}{8}=x$ (or $\frac{87}{4}=x$)

Thus, 3/8 of 58 is equal to 87/4 (or 21.75 in its decimal form).