What is 3/9 of 38?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 3/9 of 38? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 3/9 of 38?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 38 × 3 = 114
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 114/9 = 12.666666666667
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
    • 114/3 = 38
    • 9/3 = 3
  4. Which gives: 38/3

Since 38/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 12 2/3

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 3/9 of 38, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 3 9 = x 38 (where x represents 3/9 of 38)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 3 × 38 = 9 x
  2. Which gives: 114 = 9 x
  3. Divide both sides by 9 to isolate x: 114 9 = 9 x 9
  4. Which gives the result: 114 9 = x (or 38 3 = x )

Thus, 3/9 of 38 is equal to 38/3 (or 12.666666666667 in its decimal form).