What is 4/2 of 71?

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

How to calculate 4/2 of 71?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 71 × 4 = 284
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 284/2 = 142
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 284/2 = 142
    • 2/2 = 1
  4. Which gives: 142/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 4/2 of 71, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 4 2 = x 71 (where x represents 4/2 of 71)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 4 × 71 = 2 x
  2. Which gives: 284 = 2 x
  3. Divide both sides by 2 to isolate x: 284 2 = 2 x 2
  4. Which gives the result: 284 2 = x (or 142 1 = x )

Thus, 4/2 of 71 is equal to 142/1 (or 142 in its decimal form).