How to Work out a Fraction of an Amount

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Set up the problem.

   When a problem asks you what a fraction of a whole number is, the problem is one of multiplication, and you need to multiply the fraction and the whole number.
   
   Look for the keyword of.
   
   When you see of in a word problem, you need to multiply.For example, if the problem asks, “What is 56{\displaystyle {\frac {5}{6}}} of 294{\displaystyle 294}," you need to set up 56×294{\displaystyle {\frac {5}{6}}\times 294}.
2. 2

   Step 2: Turn the whole number into a fraction.

   To do this, give it a denominator of
   1.
   
   Remember, the denominator is the number underneath the fraction bar.
   
   For example, you would change 294{\displaystyle 294} to 2941{\displaystyle {\frac {294}{1}}}.
   
   So the new problem becomes 56×2941{\displaystyle {\frac {5}{6}}\times {\frac {294}{1}}}. , Remember that the numerators are the numbers above the fraction bars.
   
   For example, 5×294=1,470{\displaystyle 5\times 294=1,470}. , Place this number under the product of the numerators.
   
   For example, 6×1=6{\displaystyle 6\times 1=6}, so 56×2941=1,4706{\displaystyle {\frac {5}{6}}\times {\frac {294}{1}}={\frac {1,470}{6}}}. , To do this, divide the numerator by the denominator.
   
   This will give you your final answer as a whole number or in decimal form.
   
   If the result is not a whole number and you need the answer written in the form of a fraction, you should reduce the fraction by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor.
   
   For complete instructions on how to reduce a fraction, read Reduce Fractions.
   
   For example, 1,470÷6=245{\displaystyle 1,470\div 6=245}, so 56{\displaystyle {\frac {5}{6}}} of 294=245{\displaystyle 294=245}.
3. 3

   Step 3: Multiply the numerators.

4. 4

   Step 4: Multiply the denominators.

5. 5

   Step 5: Simplify the fraction.

Detailed Guide

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