What is 5/4 of 14?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 5/4 of 14? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 5/4 of 14?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 14 × 5 = 70
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 70/4 = 17.5
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 70/2 = 35
    • 4/2 = 2
  4. Which gives: 35/2

Since 35/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 17 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/4 of 14, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 5 4 = x 14 (where x represents 5/4 of 14)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 5 × 14 = 4 x
  2. Which gives: 70 = 4 x
  3. Divide both sides by 4 to isolate x: 70 4 = 4 x 4
  4. Which gives the result: 70 4 = x (or 35 2 = x )

Thus, 5/4 of 14 is equal to 35/2 (or 17.5 in its decimal form).