What is 8/2 of 42?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 8/2 of 42? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 8/2 of 42?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 42 × 8 = 336
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 336/2 = 168
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (2):
    • 336/2 = 168
    • 2/2 = 1
  4. Which gives: 168/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 8/2 of 42, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 8 2 = x 42 (where x represents 8/2 of 42)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 8 × 42 = 2 x
  2. Which gives: 336 = 2 x
  3. Divide both sides by 2 to isolate x: 336 2 = 2 x 2
  4. Which gives the result: 336 2 = x (or 168 1 = x )

Thus, 8/2 of 42 is equal to 168/1 (or 168 in its decimal form).