What is 5/4 of 34?
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 34? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.
How to calculate 5/4 of 34?
- Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 34 × 5 = 170
- Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 170/4 = 42.5
- Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
- 170/2 = 85
- 4/2 = 2
- Which gives: 85/2
Since 85/2 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 42 1/2
How does it work?
The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/4 of 34, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.
Consider the following proportion: (where x represents 5/4 of 34)
- Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators:
- Which gives:
- Divide both sides by 4 to isolate x:
- Which gives the result: (or )
Thus, 5/4 of 34 is equal to 85/2 (or 42.5 in its decimal form).