What is 8/3 of 12?

Often, in mathematics or everyday life, we need to find a fraction of a given number. For instance, how would you quickly calculate 8/3 of 12? We'll show you a straightforward method to achieve that.

How to calculate 8/3 of 12?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 12 × 8 = 96
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 96/3 = 32
  3. Simplify by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (3):
    • 96/3 = 32
    • 3/3 = 1
  4. Which gives: 32/1

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 8/3 of 12, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 8 3 = x 12 (where x represents 8/3 of 12)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 8 × 12 = 3 x
  2. Which gives: 96 = 3 x
  3. Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x: 96 3 = 3 x 3
  4. Which gives the result: 96 3 = x (or 32 1 = x )

Thus, 8/3 of 12 is equal to 32/1 (or 32 in its decimal form).