What is 5/4 of 2?

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 2? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 5/4 of 2?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 2 × 5 = 10
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 10/4 = 2.5
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 10/2 = 5
    • 4/2 = 2
  4. Which gives: 5/2

Since 5/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 2 1/2

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/4 of 2, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 5 4 = x 2 (where x represents 5/4 of 2)

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

Thus, 5/4 of 2 is equal to 5/2 (or 2.5 in its decimal form).