Using a bar model
3⁄8 of 72
- The bottom number, 8, tells us how many equal parts to share 72 into. Divide: 72 ÷ 8 = 9.
- The top number, 3, tells us how many parts to take. Multiply: 9 × 3 = 27.
- So 3⁄8 of 72 = 27.
Answer: 27
Year 6 · Arithmetic skills · Skill 11B
Skill 11B: Fractions of amounts
Find a fraction of a whole-number amount.
Download the sheets
Each file is an editable Word document (.docx) with 25 questions in five columns. It opens in Word, Google Docs, Pages and LibreOffice, so you can change questions or add working space before printing.
Download the worksheet Download the answers Generate a new sheet for this skill
Worked examples
To find a fraction of an amount, divide by the denominator (the bottom number) to find one part, then multiply by the numerator (the top number).
Without the picture
7⁄12 of 60
- The bottom number, 12, tells us how many equal parts to share 60 into. Divide: 60 ÷ 12 = 5.
- The top number, 7, tells us how many parts to take. Multiply: 5 × 7 = 35.
- So 7⁄12 of 60 = 35.
Answer: 35
Top tips
- Divide by the bottom, multiply by the top.
- “Of” means ×.
- Draw a bar and shade the parts if you are unsure.
Watch out for
- Multiplying by the denominator instead of dividing.
- Forgetting to multiply by the numerator after finding one part.
Try some questions
These are from the worksheet. Work each one out, then open it to check.
- 1⁄2 of 48 =
Show the answer
24
- 5⁄8 of 96 =
Show the answer
60
- 7⁄9 of 180 =
Show the answer
140
- 19⁄30 of 600 =
Show the answer
380