What is 5/2 of 12?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 5/2 of 12? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 5/2 of 12?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 12 × 5 = 60
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 60/2 = 30
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 60/2 = 30
    • 2/2 = 1
  4. Which gives: 30/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/2 of 12, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 5 2 = x 12 (where x represents 5/2 of 12)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 5 × 12 = 2 x
  2. Which gives: 60 = 2 x
  3. Divide both sides by 2 to isolate x: 60 2 = 2 x 2
  4. Which gives the result: 60 2 = x (or 30 1 = x )

Thus, 5/2 of 12 is equal to 30/1 (or 30 in its decimal form).