What is 5/9 of 39?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 5/9 of 39? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 5/9 of 39?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 39 × 5 = 195
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 195/9 = 21.666666666667
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
    • 195/3 = 65
    • 9/3 = 3
  4. Which gives: 65/3

Since 65/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 21 2/3

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/9 of 39, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 5 9 = x 39 (where x represents 5/9 of 39)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 5 × 39 = 9 x
  2. Which gives: 195 = 9 x
  3. Divide both sides by 9 to isolate x: 195 9 = 9 x 9
  4. Which gives the result: 195 9 = x (or 65 3 = x )

Thus, 5/9 of 39 is equal to 65/3 (or 21.666666666667 in its decimal form).