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.
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