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Solve x/6 = 2/3

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Proportions · Algebra 1

Step by step

The question

Question: solve x/6 = 2/3.

Two fractions are equal.

x6 = 23

1 Cross multiply

When two fractions are equal, we can cross multiply.

These two are equal.

x × 3 = 2 × 6

Work out the multiplications.

3x = 12

2 Remove the 3

3x means 3 times x.

We want just x.

To remove times 3, we divide by 3.

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.

3x3 = 123

3 divided by 3 is 1.

So just x is left.

12 divided by 3 is 4.

123 = 4

So x = 4!

x = 4

3 Check

Let's check: put 4 in place of x.

First the left side.

Left: 46 = 4÷26÷2 = 23

Now the right side.

Right: 23

Both sides are 2/3.

So x = 4 is right!

Both sides equal 23

Let's look back.

First: cross multiply.

Then: remove the 3.

Last: check.

Answer
x = 4

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

x8 = 24
Show the answer
x = 4

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