Fractions aren’t as hard as you think. If you want to learn how to solve equations with fractions by cross-multiplying, such as solving “x/7 = 2/3” and “7/3 = 2/x” for x, you’re in the right place.
Solving Equations: The Golden Rule
The goal in solving an equation for x is to finish with a statement in which x equals something that does not include an x.
The golden rule for solving equations is to apply the same operation to both sides of the equation. This may involve adding, subtracting or multiplying both sides by the same amount.
For example, if x/37 = 5, you can multiply both sides by 37. Since x divided by 37 times 37 just equals x, then x = 5*37, which = 185.
Solving Equations with Sample Fractions
Here is a sample equation, and a step-by-step process for solving it:
Sample equation: x/7 = 2/3
Step One: Multiply both sides by 7.
x/7 * 7 = 2/3 * 7
Multiply 2 and 7 to get 14.
x /7 * 7 = 14/3
Cancel out /7 * 7 to leave x, and convert to solve for x.
x = 14/3 = 4 2/3
You multiply both sides by 7 to eliminate the denominator on the left side of the equation. The 7s cancel out on the left. Then you solve the equation for x. As a final step, you convert the improper fraction 14/3 to the mixed fraction 4 and 2/3.
Note that you only cross multiplied the 7 in the denominator. If you had started with 23*x/7 = 2/3, you would have cross multiplied both sides by 7/23 instead of just 7. This would leave only x on the left side.
Mixed Fractions: Another Example
In a second example, “7/3 = 2/x”, the mixed fraction is already converted from 2 1/3 to 7/3. It’s much easier to solve fraction equations that have improper fractions than equations with mixed fractions.
Notice that this example has x in the denominator. You should explicitly state the assumption that x is not zero.
Sample equation: 7/3 = 2/x
Multiply both sides by x so that x will be in the numerator.
7/3 * x = 2/x * x
Cancel out the /x * x.
7*x/3 = 2
Multiply both sides by 3/7 to cancel out the 7/3.
x * (7/3) * (3/7) = 2 * (3/7)
Cancel out 7/3 with 3/7 and multiply to solve for x.
x = 2*3/7 = 6/7
If you cross multiply all in one step, it would be:
7/3 = 2/x
(7/3) * (3*x/7) = (2/x) * (3*x/7)
x = 6/7
It’s easier to recognize cross multiplication when the numerators and denominators travel across the equals sign to multiply.
Solving General Equations with Fractions
Next, try solving fractions in the general case where ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’ and ‘d’ are non-zero integers. Again, solve for X starting in either the numerator or denominator.
X/b = c/d
Multiply both sides by b
X/b * b = c/d * b
Cancel out the /b * b on the left side, and consolidate the right side of the equation.
X = (b*c)/d
The cross multiplication would be more obvious in a similar case:
a*X/b = c/d
Multiply both sides by b/a
a*X/b * b/a = c/d * b/a
Cancel out “a/b * b/a” on the left side of the equation, and associate the numerator (‘c’ & ‘b’) and denominator (‘d’ & ‘a’) on the right.
X = c*b/d*a
The next example starts with X in the denominator and solves the most complicated example, c/d = a/(b*X).
c/d = a/(b*X)
Multiply both sides by X * (d/c).
(c/d) * X * (d/c) = a/(b*X) * X * (d/c)
Cancel out “c/d * d/c” on the left and “/X * X” on the right.
X = (a*d)/(b*c)
A Five Step Summary for Solving Equations with Fractions
From the above examples, you’ve seen how to cross multiply fractions: Take the denominator of one fraction and multiply both sides of the equation by that value.
One side of the equation is simplified because the denominator is cancelled out, and the other side increases by the same ratio, so the equation remains balanced.
The five key steps for solving equations with fractions are:
- If needed, change any mixed fractions to improper fractions. For example, change 2 1/3 to 7/3.
- Identify the simplest method of isolating the unknown x to only one side of the equation.
- Cross multiply both sides by the same values. For example, pick the denominator from one side to be the numerator of the new multiplier on both sides.
- If you need to simplify the equation one step at a time, do so by repeating step 3 as needed.
- If needed, change any remaining improper fractions to mixed fractions.
Remember to take a step-by-step approach as you learn how to solve the equation; with practice, you can take shortcuts to solve fractions equations.
More Help for Cross Multiplying Equations with Fractions
You might need more help or practice solving equations with fractions or with cross multiplying. If you’re taking math at school, the first suggestion is to ask your teacher to help you learn how to solve fraction problems. Also, you might find a math tutor online, or through local newspaper ads. Online tutoring in math, or online math fractions worksheet drills, can be cost effective ways to improve your math skills.
Reference
Online Math Learning. Cross Multiply. Accessed February 7, 2013.
© Copyright 2013 Mike DeHaan, All rights Reserved. Written For: Decoded Science
April says
I still don’t understand it
Jane Raper says
Helpful but still having issue like with problems as this 11/13 =x/5
Laina says
This is really good. Thank you
Quinneth Librea says
x/21 + x/24 = 10 what is the solution
Bob says
Amazing steps, but I need an explanation of why the cross multiplied numbers equal each other (I know why, but i need a good explanation in words to explain to other people)
John A Jaksich says
I will take a stab at it… Mathematically it is known as an identity. If you recall any ‘basic mathematics’ Perhaps I am wrong to assume it…but if they are equal to each other then it is as if one were multiplying by the integer number 1 or possibly their reciprocal value……
brani says
good