What is 5/8 of 17?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 5/8 of 17? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 5/8 of 17?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 17 × 5 = 85
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 85/8 = 10.625

Since 85/8 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 10 5/8

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/8 of 17, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 5 8 = x 17 (where x represents 5/8 of 17)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 5 × 17 = 8 x
  2. Which gives: 85 = 8 x
  3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: 85 8 = 8 x 8
  4. Which gives the result: 85 8 = x

Thus, 5/8 of 17 is equal to 85/8 (or 10.625 in its decimal form).