What is 4/9 of 12?

How to calculate 4/9 of 12?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 12 × 4 = 48
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 48/9 = 5.3333333333333
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
   • 48/3 = 16
   • 9/3 = 3
4. Which gives: 16/3

Since 16/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 5 1/3

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 4/9 of 12, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{4}{9}=\frac{x}{12}$ (where x represents 4/9 of 12)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $4\times 12=9x$
2. Which gives: $48=9x$
3. Divide both sides by 9 to isolate x: $\frac{48}{9}=\frac{9x}{9}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{48}{9}=x$ (or $\frac{16}{3}=x$)

Thus, 4/9 of 12 is equal to 16/3 (or 5.3333333333333 in its decimal form).