What is 5/9 of 42?

How to calculate 5/9 of 42?

1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 42 × 5 = 210
2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 210/9 = 23.333333333333
3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
   • 210/3 = 70
   • 9/3 = 3
4. Which gives: 70/3

Since 70/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 23 1/3

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/9 of 42, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: $\frac{5}{9}=\frac{x}{42}$ (where x represents 5/9 of 42)

1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: $5\times 42=9x$
2. Which gives: $210=9x$
3. Divide both sides by 9 to isolate x: $\frac{210}{9}=\frac{9x}{9}$
4. Which gives the result: $\frac{210}{9}=x$ (or $\frac{70}{3}=x$)

Thus, 5/9 of 42 is equal to 70/3 (or 23.333333333333 in its decimal form).