What is 8/3 of 16?

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

How to calculate 8/3 of 16?

  1. Multiply the whole number by the numerator of the fraction: 16 × 8 = 128
  2. Divide this result by denominator of the fraction: 128/3 = 42.666666666667

Since 128/3 is an improper fraction, the result could also be expressed as a mixed number: 42 2/3

How does it work?

The principle behind finding a fraction of a number, such as 8/3 of 16, is rooted in the method of cross-multiplication.

Consider the following proportion: 8 3 = x 16 (where x represents 8/3 of 16)

  1. Using the cross-multiplication method, multiply both numerators by their opposite denominators: 8 × 16 = 3 x
  2. Which gives: 128 = 3 x
  3. Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x: 128 3 = 3 x 3
  4. Which gives the result: 128 3 = x

Thus, 8/3 of 16 is equal to 128/3 (or 42.666666666667 in its decimal form).