Use the formula for cross multiplication

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 61 views

Introduction

In algebra, cross multiplication is a technique used to solve equations involving fractions. It is a powerful tool that allows us to eliminate the fractions and solve for the variable. In this article, we will learn how to solve for $x$ using cross multiplication.

What is Cross Multiplication?

Cross multiplication is a technique used to solve equations involving fractions. It is based on the concept of multiplying both sides of the equation by the denominators of the fractions. This eliminates the fractions and allows us to solve for the variable.

The Formula

The formula for cross multiplication is:

\frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d} \Rightarrow ad = bc

where $a$ , $b$ , $c$ , and $d$ are the numerators and denominators of the fractions.

Solving the Equation

Now that we have learned the formula for cross multiplication, let's apply it to the equation:

\frac{3x - 3}{5} = \frac{2x - 2}{4}

To solve for $x$ , we will multiply both sides of the equation by the denominators of the fractions, which are 5 and 4.

\frac{3x - 3}{5} \cdot 5 = \frac{2x - 2}{4} \cdot 4

This simplifies to:

3x - 3 = 2x - 2

Now, we can solve for $x$ by isolating the variable.

Isolating the Variable

To isolate the variable, we will add 2 to both sides of the equation.

3x - 3 + 2 = 2x - 2 + 2

This simplifies to:

3x - 1 = 2x

Next, we will add 1 to both sides of the equation.

3x - 1 + 1 = 2x + 1

This simplifies to:

3x = 2x + 1

Now, we can solve for $x$ by subtracting 2x from both sides of the equation.

3x - 2x = 2x + 1 - 2x

This simplifies to:

x = 1

Conclusion

In this article, we learned how to solve for $x$ using cross multiplication. We applied the formula for cross multiplication to the equation and solved for $x$ . We also learned how to isolate the variable and solve for $x$ . With this technique, we can solve equations involving fractions and eliminate the fractions.

Example Problems

Here are some example problems that you can try to practice your skills:

$\frac{x + 2}{3} = \frac{x - 1}{4}$
$\frac{2x - 1}{5} = \frac{x + 3}{2}$
$\frac{x + 1}{2} = \frac{x - 2}{3}$

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks that you can use to solve equations involving fractions:

Use the formula for cross multiplication: The formula for cross multiplication is $ad = bc$ , where $a$ , $b$ , $c$ , and $d$ are the numerators and denominators of the fractions.
Eliminate the fractions: To eliminate the fractions, multiply both sides of the equation by the denominators of the fractions.
Isolate the variable: To isolate the variable, add or subtract the same value to both sides of the equation.
Simplify the equation: To simplify the equation, combine like terms and eliminate any fractions.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes that you can avoid when solving equations involving fractions:

Not using the formula for cross multiplication: Make sure to use the formula for cross multiplication to eliminate the fractions.
Not eliminating the fractions: Make sure to eliminate the fractions by multiplying both sides of the equation by the denominators of the fractions.
Not isolating the variable: Make sure to isolate the variable by adding or subtracting the same value to both sides of the equation.
Not simplifying the equation: Make sure to simplify the equation by combining like terms and eliminating any fractions.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we learned how to solve for $x$ using cross multiplication. We applied the formula for cross multiplication to the equation and solved for $x$ . In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about solving for $x$ using cross multiplication.

Q: What is cross multiplication?

A: Cross multiplication is a technique used to solve equations involving fractions. It is based on the concept of multiplying both sides of the equation by the denominators of the fractions.

Q: How do I use cross multiplication to solve for $x$ ?

A: To use cross multiplication to solve for $x$ , follow these steps:

Multiply both sides of the equation by the denominators of the fractions.
Eliminate the fractions by simplifying the equation.
Isolate the variable by adding or subtracting the same value to both sides of the equation.
Solve for $x$ by simplifying the equation.

Q: What is the formula for cross multiplication?

A: The formula for cross multiplication is:

\frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d} \Rightarrow ad = bc

where $a$ , $b$ , $c$ , and $d$ are the numerators and denominators of the fractions.

Q: How do I eliminate the fractions in an equation?

A: To eliminate the fractions in an equation, multiply both sides of the equation by the denominators of the fractions.

Q: How do I isolate the variable in an equation?

A: To isolate the variable in an equation, add or subtract the same value to both sides of the equation.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving for $x$ using cross multiplication?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when solving for $x$ using cross multiplication include:

Not using the formula for cross multiplication.
Not eliminating the fractions.
Not isolating the variable.
Not simplifying the equation.

Q: Can I use cross multiplication to solve equations with more than two fractions?

A: Yes, you can use cross multiplication to solve equations with more than two fractions. However, you will need to multiply both sides of the equation by the product of the denominators of the fractions.

Q: How do I know if I have solved for $x$ correctly?

A: To know if you have solved for $x$ correctly, check your work by plugging the value of $x$ back into the original equation. If the equation is true, then you have solved for $x$ correctly.

Q: What are some real-world applications of cross multiplication?

A: Cross multiplication has many real-world applications, including:

Solving equations in physics and engineering.
Solving equations in finance and economics.
Solving equations in computer science and programming.
Solving equations in mathematics and statistics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, solving for $x$ using cross multiplication is a powerful technique that allows us to eliminate the fractions and solve for the variable. With practice and patience, you can master this technique and solve equations involving fractions with ease. We hope that this Q&A article has been helpful in answering your questions about solving for $x$ using cross multiplication.