What is 4/2 of 17?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 4/2 of 17? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 4/2 of 17?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 17 × 4 = 68
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 68/2 = 34
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 68/2 = 34
    • 2/2 = 1
  4. Which gives: 34/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 4/2 of 17, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 4 2 = x 17 (where x represents 4/2 of 17)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 4 × 17 = 2 x
  2. Which gives: 68 = 2 x
  3. Divide both sides by 2 to isolate x: 68 2 = 2 x 2
  4. Which gives the result: 68 2 = x (or 34 1 = x )

Thus, 4/2 of 17 is equal to 34/1 (or 34 in its decimal form).