What is 5/9 of 87?

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 87? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 5/9 of 87?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 87 × 5 = 435
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 435/9 = 48.333333333333
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
    • 435/3 = 145
    • 9/3 = 3
  4. Which gives: 145/3

Since 145/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 48 1/3

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 5/9 of 87, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 5 9 = x 87 (where x represents 5/9 of 87)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 5 × 87 = 9 x
  2. Which gives: 435 = 9 x
  3. Divide both sides by 9 to isolate x: 435 9 = 9 x 9
  4. Which gives the result: 435 9 = x (or 145 3 = x )

Thus, 5/9 of 87 is equal to 145/3 (or 48.333333333333 in its decimal form).