What is 5/10 of 79?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 5/10 of 79? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 5/10 of 79?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 79 × 5 = 395
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 395/10 = 39.5
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (5):
    • 395/5 = 79
    • 10/5 = 2
  4. Which gives: 79/2

Since 79/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 39 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/10 of 79, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 5 10 = x 79 (where x represents 5/10 of 79)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 5 × 79 = 10 x
  2. Which gives: 395 = 10 x
  3. Divide both sides by 10 to isolate x: 395 10 = 10 x 10
  4. Which gives the result: 395 10 = x (or 79 2 = x )

Thus, 5/10 of 79 is equal to 79/2 (or 39.5 in its decimal form).