Solving Equations by Multiplying or Dividing

Multiply and divide are INVERSE operations
Multiply pushing up on a line
Divide pushing down on a line Multiplication and division are also inverse operations. If an equation contains multiplication, solve it by dividing both sides to undo the multiplication. Similarly, if an equation contains division, solve it by multiplying both sides to undo the division.

Solving Multiplication Equations

To solve a multiplication equation, one must divide the same number from each side of the equation so that the variable will be by itself on one side of the equation and the answer on the other side.

Example:

5x=30
5x/5. 30/5
x=6

Solving Division Equations

To solve a division equation, one must multiply the same number on each side of the equation so that the variable will be by itself on one side of the equation and the answer on the other side.

Example:

x/4=7
4x(x/4)=7x4
x=28

QUESTION: Is it possible to check your answer when done?

x-10=14
+10 +10
x=24
Now let's check our answer!
x-10=14
24-10=14
14=14 (check!)

ANSWER: Yes!! The great thing about solving equations is that you can always check your answer to see if it is correct. But, how do you do this? The number the variable equals after using the inverse operations can be substituted into the original problem. Then we can check to make sure it is balanced.

Now watch the video below for more on how to solve multiplication and division equations.

Solving Equations by Multiplying or Dividing Assignment

Download the "Solving Equations by Multiplying or Dividing Assignment" by clicking here. Be sure to work all of the practice problems on paper. You will use these problems and solutions to complete the "Exploring Real-life Phenomena through One-Step Equations and Inequalities Homework Quiz 1." Remember you can always go back and review the lessons and videos for more help.

Once you've done the practice work, you can click here for the answer key to check it.

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