What is 5/8 of 56?

How to calculate 5/8 of 56?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 56 × 5 = 280
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 280/8 = 35
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (8):
   • 280/8 = 35
   • 8/8 = 1
4. Which gives: 35/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/8 of 56, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{5}{8}=\frac{x}{56}$ (where x represents 5/8 of 56)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $5\times 56=8x$
2. Which gives: $280=8x$
3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: $\frac{280}{8}=\frac{8x}{8}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{280}{8}=x$ (or $\frac{35}{1}=x$)

Thus, 5/8 of 56 is equal to 35/1 (or 35 in its decimal form).