What is 5/3 of 42?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 5/3 of 42? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 5/3 of 42?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 42 × 5 = 210
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 210/3 = 70
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
    • 210/3 = 70
    • 3/3 = 1
  4. Which gives: 70/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/3 of 42, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 5 3 = x 42 (where x represents 5/3 of 42)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 5 × 42 = 3 x
  2. Which gives: 210 = 3 x
  3. Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x: 210 3 = 3 x 3
  4. Which gives the result: 210 3 = x (or 70 1 = x )

Thus, 5/3 of 42 is equal to 70/1 (or 70 in its decimal form).