Understanding Fractions and Their Percentages: What is 2 3/5 of 20?

Understanding fractions and converting them to percentages or vice versa is a fundamental skill in mathematics. In this article, we will explore how to solve the problem 'what is 2 3/5 of 20,' and also discuss a related problem, 'what is 2/5 of 20.'

What is 2/5 of 20?

One of the easiest ways to solve this is by using the concept of multiplication. The term 'of' in mathematics often signifies multiplication. Let's break it down step-by-step:

Step 1: Convert the fraction 2/5 into a decimal by performing the division 2 ÷ 5, which equals 0.4. Step 2: Multiply the decimal 0.4 by 20:

20 x 0.4 8

Therefore, 2/5 of 20 is 8.

Alternative Methods to Solve 2/5 of 20

There are several methods to solve this problem. Here are a few alternative approaches:

Method 1: Divide 2 by 5 to get the decimal 0.4, then multiply this by 20. Method 2: Write the fraction as a division problem and then solve it directly:

2/5 × 20/1 40/5 8

Explanation Using Mathematical Notation

Mathematically, we can express this as:

(frac{2}{5} times 20 frac{2 times 20}{5} frac{40}{5} 8)

Therefore, 8 is 2/5 of 20.

Additional Concept: 2 3/5 of 20

Now, let's take a look at a more complex example, 'what is 2 3/5 of 20.' We can express 2 3/5 as a fraction:

2 3/5 2 3/5 (frac{10 3}{5} frac{13}{5})

To find '2 3/5 of 20,' we can use multiplication:

(frac{13}{5} times 20 frac{13}{5} times frac{20}{1} frac{13 times 20}{5} frac{260}{5} 52)

Therefore, 2 3/5 of 20 is 52.

Conclusion

Understanding how to calculate fractions and convert them to percentages is a valuable skill in mathematics. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily solve problems like 'what is 2/5 of 20' and 'what is 2 3/5 of 20.' Practice these methods regularly to enhance your mathematical proficiency.