Solving Equations − Multiplication and Division 1
Solving equations involves finding the value of an unknown variable. This is done by inversing − a process that reverses the equation. Let us take a look
The inverse of multiplication is division and the inverse of division is multiplication
Example 1. 6 c = 30 What is the value of c?
Example 2. y/4 = 5 What is the value of y?
The inverse of × 6 is ÷ 6. So divide both sides by 6
| 6 | c | = | 30 | ||
| ÷ | 6 | = | ÷ | 6 |
| c | = | 5 |
To verify, put the value of c = 5 back into the original equation
6 x 5 = 30
The inverse of ÷ 4 is × 4. So multiply both sides by 4
| y/4 | = | 5 | ||
| × | 4 | = | × | 4 |
| y | = | 20 |
To check, put the value of y = 20 back into the original equation
20 ÷ 4 = 5
Remember: 'what is the value of y' is the same as 'solve y'
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