what is 2 3 of 60

2 min read 05-02-2025

Finding a fraction of a number is a common math problem. This article will guide you through calculating what 2/3 of 60 is, explaining the process step-by-step. We'll also look at different ways to solve this type of problem and offer some practice questions. Understanding this concept is crucial for various applications, from simple everyday calculations to more complex mathematical problems.

Understanding Fractions

Before we dive into the calculation, let's quickly review fractions. A fraction represents a part of a whole. The top number (numerator) indicates how many parts you have, and the bottom number (denominator) indicates how many parts make up the whole. In the fraction 2/3, 2 is the numerator, and 3 is the denominator.

Calculating 2/3 of 60

There are several ways to calculate 2/3 of 60. Here are two common methods:

Method 1: Multiplication

The most straightforward method is to multiply the fraction by the whole number. This involves converting the fraction to a decimal and then performing the multiplication.

Convert the fraction to a decimal: Divide the numerator (2) by the denominator (3): 2 ÷ 3 = 0.666... (approximately 0.67)
Multiply the decimal by the whole number: 0.67 x 60 = 40.2

Therefore, 2/3 of 60 is approximately 40.2

While this method is simple, using the decimal approximation can lead to slight inaccuracies.

Method 2: Division and Multiplication

This method avoids decimal approximations and provides a more precise answer.

Divide the whole number by the denominator: Divide 60 by the denominator of the fraction (3): 60 ÷ 3 = 20
Multiply the result by the numerator: Multiply the result from step 1 (20) by the numerator of the fraction (2): 20 x 2 = 40

Therefore, 2/3 of 60 is exactly 40. This method ensures accuracy, avoiding rounding errors associated with decimals.

Why is Method 2 Preferred?

Method 2 is generally preferred because it avoids rounding errors. Working with fractions directly maintains precision, particularly when dealing with larger numbers or more complex fractions. This method is more accurate and is usually taught in schools.

Practice Problems

Try calculating the following:

What is 1/4 of 80?
What is 3/5 of 100?
What is 2/7 of 49?

(Answers: 20, 60, 14)

Conclusion

Calculating fractions of numbers is a fundamental skill in mathematics. Learning both methods – multiplication of the decimal form and division and multiplication – provides flexibility. Remember, method two, focusing on division and multiplication with whole numbers before multiplication, offers greater accuracy. Mastering these techniques will significantly aid you in solving various mathematical problems. Understanding how to find 2/3 of 60, and similar problems, is important for a wide variety of applications both in school and in daily life.