what is 1 3 of 90

2 min read 23-12-2024

Finding a fraction of a number is a fundamental math skill. This article will clearly explain how to calculate 1/3 of 90, providing a step-by-step solution and exploring the concept further. Understanding this will help you tackle similar fraction problems with ease.

Understanding Fractions

Before we dive into the calculation, let's quickly review what fractions represent. A fraction, like 1/3, shows a part of a whole. The top number (1) is the numerator, indicating how many parts you have. The bottom number (3) is the denominator, indicating how many equal parts the whole is divided into.

Calculating 1/3 of 90: The Method

To find 1/3 of 90, we need to perform a simple multiplication:

(1/3) * 90

There are two ways to approach this:

Method 1: Direct Multiplication

We can directly multiply the fraction by the number:

(1/3) * 90 = 90/3

Now, we simplify the fraction by dividing the numerator (90) by the denominator (3):

90/3 = 30

Therefore, 1/3 of 90 is 30.

Method 2: Dividing First

Alternatively, we can first divide 90 by the denominator (3) and then multiply by the numerator (1):

90 / 3 = 30

30 * 1 = 30

This method achieves the same result: 1/3 of 90 is 30.

Why This Works

The fraction 1/3 represents one part out of three equal parts. When we find 1/3 of 90, we are essentially dividing 90 into three equal parts and then taking one of those parts. Each part is 30 (90/3 = 30), and we take one part, resulting in the answer of 30.

Real-World Applications

Understanding how to calculate fractions is essential for everyday life. Here are a few examples:

Sharing: If you have 90 cookies and want to share them equally among 3 friends, each friend gets 1/3 of the cookies, which is 30 cookies.
Discounts: If a store offers a 1/3 discount on an item that costs $90, the discount amount would be $30.
Recipes: Many recipes use fractions. If a recipe calls for 1/3 cup of sugar and you want to triple the recipe, you'll need 1 cup of sugar.

Conclusion

Calculating 1/3 of 90 is straightforward using either direct multiplication or by dividing first. Both methods yield the same answer: 30. This fundamental skill is applicable across numerous everyday scenarios. Remember the concept of fractions and practice applying these methods to strengthen your understanding. Now you know what 1/3 of 90 is!