Solving Equations by Multiplication Division Practice

Master solving linear equations using multiplication and division. Practice isolating variables with coefficients through step-by-step examples and exercises.

📚Master Equation Solving Through Multiplication and Division
  • Identify coefficients and choose multiplication or division to isolate variables
  • Apply the same operation to both sides while maintaining equation balance
  • Solve equations like 3x = 24 by dividing both sides by 3
  • Handle fractional equations like x/2 = 5 by multiplying both sides
  • Verify solutions by substituting back into original equations
  • Build confidence with step-by-step problem-solving strategies

Understanding Solving an Equation by Multiplication/ Division

Complete explanation with examples

Multiplying or Dividing Both Sides of the Equation

Sometimes when solving equations, we may encounter variables with coefficients, which we need to remove to isolate the variable and find its value.
Exactly for those cases, and many more, we have the ability to multiply or divide both sides of the equation by the same number to maintain balance and solve for the variable.

With this method, we can multiply or divide both sides of the equation by the same element without thereby altering the overall value of the equation. This means that the final result of the equation will not be affected because we have multiplied or divided both sides by the same element or number. 

In order to so we need to follow these two steps:
  1. Identify the Coefficient: Determine if multiplication or division is needed to isolate the variable.
  2. Apply Operation to Both Sides: Multiply or divide by the coefficient’s reciprocal.
Solving Equations by Multiplying or Dividing Both Sides by the Same Number

It's important to remember that when we multiply or divide both sides of an equation, the equation's balance should remain unchanged. This means we can always reverse the operation to return to the original equation. If reversing leads to a different result, it indicates that an error was made in the calculations.

Detailed explanation

Practice Solving an Equation by Multiplication/ Division

Test your knowledge with 35 quizzes

Solve for X:

\( \frac{x}{4}=3 \)

Examples with solutions for Solving an Equation by Multiplication/ Division

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

4x:30=2 4x:30=2

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the given equation 4x:30=2 4x:30 = 2 , we will follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Recognize that 4x:304x:30 implies 4x30=2\dfrac{4x}{30} = 2.

  • Step 2: Eliminate the fraction by multiplying both sides of the equation by 30.

  • Step 3: Simplify the equation to solve for xx.

Now, let's work through each step:

Step 1: The equation is written as 4x30=2\dfrac{4x}{30} = 2.

Step 2: Multiply both sides of the equation by 30 to eliminate the fraction:
30×4x30=2×30 30 \times \dfrac{4x}{30} = 2 \times 30

This simplifies to:
4x=60 4x = 60

Step 3: Solve for xx by dividing both sides by 4:
x=604=15 x = \dfrac{60}{4} = 15

Therefore, the solution to the problem is x=15 x = 15 .

Checking choices, the correct answer is:

x=15 x = 15

Answer:

x=15 x=15

Video Solution
Exercise #2

Solve the equation

20:4x=5 20:4x=5

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the exercise, we first rewrite the entire division as a fraction:

204x=5 \frac{20}{4x}=5

Actually, we didn't have to do this step, but it's more convenient for the rest of the process.

To get rid of the fraction, we multiply both sides of the equation by the denominator, 4X.

20=5*4X

20=20X

Now we can reduce both sides of the equation by 20 and we will arrive at the result of:

X=1

Answer:

x=1 x=1

Video Solution
Exercise #3

Solve for X:

5x=25 5x=25

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the equation 5x=255x = 25, we will isolate xx using division:

  • Divide both sides of the equation by 5:
5x5=255 \frac{5x}{5} = \frac{25}{5}

After performing the division, we get:

x=5 x = 5

Thus, the solution to the equation is x=5 x = 5 .

Answer:

5

Video Solution
Exercise #4

Solve for X:

6x=72 6x=72

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve for xx in the equation 6x=726x = 72, follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the equation and the coefficient of xx.
The given equation is 6x=726x = 72, where the coefficient of xx is 6.

Step 2: Isolate xx by dividing both sides of the equation by the coefficient (6).
Perform the division: x=726x = \frac{72}{6}.

Step 3: Simplify the result.
Calculating 726\frac{72}{6}, we get x=12x = 12.

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=12x = 12.

Answer:

12

Video Solution
Exercise #5

Solve for X:

13x=9 \frac{1}{3}x=9

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve the equation 13x=9\frac{1}{3}x = 9, we need to isolate the variable xx. To accomplish this, we can multiply both sides of the equation by 3, the reciprocal of 13\frac{1}{3}.

Step-by-step solution:

  • Step 1: Multiply both sides by 3.
    (3×13)x=3×9\left(3 \times \frac{1}{3}\right)x = 3 \times 9
  • Step 2: Simplify the left side.
    This gives us 1x=271x = 27, since (3×13)=1\left(3 \times \frac{1}{3}\right) = 1.
  • Step 3: Conclude that x=27x = 27.

Therefore, the solution to the equation is x=27 x = 27 . This matches choice number 1 from the provided options.

Answer:

27

Video Solution

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you solve an equation by multiplication or division?

+
To solve an equation by multiplication or division, first identify the coefficient of the variable. Then apply the inverse operation to both sides of the equation - if the variable is multiplied by a number, divide both sides by that number, and if the variable is divided by a number, multiply both sides by that number.

When should I multiply both sides of an equation?

+
You should multiply both sides of an equation when the variable is being divided by a number or fraction. For example, in x/2 = 5, you multiply both sides by 2 to isolate x and get x = 10.

What is the difference between solving 3x = 24 and x/3 = 8?

+
For 3x = 24, you divide both sides by 3 to get x = 8. For x/3 = 8, you multiply both sides by 3 to get x = 24. The key is using the inverse operation of what's being done to the variable.

Why do we perform the same operation on both sides of an equation?

+
We perform the same operation on both sides to maintain the equation's balance. This fundamental principle ensures that the equality remains true while we isolate the variable to find its value.

How can I check if my solution to a multiplication or division equation is correct?

+
Substitute your solution back into the original equation. If both sides equal the same value, your solution is correct. For example, if x = 8 solves 3x = 24, then 3(8) should equal 24.

What are common mistakes when solving equations by multiplication and division?

+
Common mistakes include: 1) Forgetting to apply the operation to both sides, 2) Using the wrong inverse operation, 3) Making arithmetic errors, and 4) Not checking the solution in the original equation.

Can you solve negative coefficient equations using multiplication and division?

+
Yes, you can solve equations with negative coefficients using the same principles. For -2x = 10, divide both sides by -2 to get x = -5. Remember that dividing by a negative number changes the sign.

What grade level learns solving equations by multiplication and division?

+
Students typically learn solving equations by multiplication and division in middle school (grades 6-8) as part of pre-algebra and algebra coursework. This builds foundation skills for more complex equation solving in high school algebra.

More Solving an Equation by Multiplication/ Division Questions

Continue Your Math Journey

Practice by Question Type