1/3 of 42

2 min read 28-02-2025

One-third of 42 is a simple calculation involving fractions. Understanding how to solve this problem is fundamental to mastering basic arithmetic and working with fractions in more complex situations. This article will guide you through the process, showing you multiple ways to arrive at the correct answer.

Understanding Fractions

Before we dive into calculating one-third of 42, let's refresh our understanding of fractions. A fraction represents a part of a whole. It's written as a numerator (the top number) over a denominator (the bottom number). For example, in the fraction 1/3, "1" is the numerator and "3" is the denominator. This means we're considering one part out of three equal parts.

Method 1: Division

The simplest way to calculate one-third of 42 is to divide 42 by 3. This is because "one-third" means "one out of three equal parts".

42 ÷ 3 = 14

Therefore, one-third of 42 is $\boxed{14}$ .

Method 2: Multiplication

Alternatively, we can solve this using multiplication. We can express "one-third" as the fraction 1/3. To find one-third of 42, we multiply 42 by the fraction 1/3:

42 x (1/3) = 42/3 = 14

This method confirms that one-third of 42 is indeed $\boxed{14}$ .

Practical Applications

Understanding how to calculate fractions like one-third of 42 has numerous real-world applications. Imagine you're sharing 42 cookies amongst three friends equally – each friend gets 14 cookies! This simple calculation is crucial for tasks involving splitting bills, sharing resources, or understanding proportions in various fields like cooking or construction.

Extending the Concept: Other Fractions of 42

The methods above can be adapted to find other fractions of 42. For example, to find two-thirds of 42, you would either multiply 42 by (2/3) or multiply 14 (one-third of 42) by 2. This will give you the answer 28. Similarly, you can calculate any fraction of 42 using the same principles.

Conclusion

Calculating one-third of 42 is a straightforward process achievable through either division or multiplication. Understanding this fundamental concept is essential for handling fractions in various contexts and will enhance your overall mathematical proficiency. Remember the core principle: fractions represent parts of a whole, and the operation is either division or multiplication by the fraction. You've now mastered a crucial building block in your mathematical journey!