Solve 3/(2x) = 1/4

Step by step

The question

Question: solve 3/2x = 1/4.

Two fractions are equal.

1 Cross multiply

When two fractions are equal, we can cross multiply.

These two are equal.

Work out the multiplications.

Let's swap the two sides, so x is on the left.

2 Remove the 2

2x means 2 times x.

We want just x.

To remove times 2, we divide by 2.

We do it on both sides.

Why both sides?

The = sign means both sides are the same amount.

If we change only one side, they are not the same any more.

2 divided by 2 is 1.

So just x is left.

12 divided by 2 is 6.

So x = 6!

3 Check

Let's check: put 6 in place of x.

First the left side.

Now the right side.

Both sides are 1/4.

So x = 6 is right!

Let's look back.

First: cross multiply.

Then: remove the 2.

Last: check.