What is 5/8 of 4?

How to calculate 5/8 of 4?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 4 × 5 = 20
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 20/8 = 2.5
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (4):
   • 20/4 = 5
   • 8/4 = 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 5/8 of 4, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{5}{8}=\frac{x}{4}$ (where x represents 5/8 of 4)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $5\times 4=8x$
2. Which gives: $20=8x$
3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: $\frac{20}{8}=\frac{8x}{8}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{20}{8}=x$ (or $\frac{5}{2}=x$)

Thus, 5/8 of 4 is equal to 5/2 (or 2.5 in its decimal form).