What is 4/9 of 40?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 4/9 of 40? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 4/9 of 40?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 40 × 4 = 160
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 160/9 = 17.777777777778

Since 160/9 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 17 7/9

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 4/9 of 40, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 4 9 = x 40 (where x represents 4/9 of 40)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 4 × 40 = 9 x
  2. Which gives: 160 = 9 x
  3. Divide both sides by 9 to isolate x: 160 9 = 9 x 9
  4. Which gives the result: 160 9 = x

Thus, 4/9 of 40 is equal to 160/9 (or 17.777777777778 in its decimal form).