What is 4/10 of 42?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 4/10 of 42? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 4/10 of 42?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 42 × 4 = 168
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 168/10 = 16.8
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 168/2 = 84
    • 10/2 = 5
  4. Which gives: 84/5

Since 84/5 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 16 4/5

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 4/10 of 42, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 4 10 = x 42 (where x represents 4/10 of 42)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 4 × 42 = 10 x
  2. Which gives: 168 = 10 x
  3. Divide both sides by 10 to isolate x: 168 10 = 10 x 10
  4. Which gives the result: 168 10 = x (or 84 5 = x )

Thus, 4/10 of 42 is equal to 84/5 (or 16.8 in its decimal form).