What is 5/8 of 74?

How to calculate 5/8 of 74?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 74 × 5 = 370
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 370/8 = 46.25
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
   • 370/2 = 185
   • 8/2 = 4
4. Which gives: 185/4

Since 185/4 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 46 1/4

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/8 of 74, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{5}{8}=\frac{x}{74}$ (where x represents 5/8 of 74)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $5\times 74=8x$
2. Which gives: $370=8x$
3. Divide both sides by 8 to isolate x: $\frac{370}{8}=\frac{8x}{8}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{370}{8}=x$ (or $\frac{185}{4}=x$)

Thus, 5/8 of 74 is equal to 185/4 (or 46.25 in its decimal form).