Step by step
The question
Question: solve x/8 = 3/4.
Two fractions are equal.
x8 = 34
1 Cross multiply
When two fractions are equal, we can cross multiply.
These two are equal.
x × 4 = 3 × 8
Work out the multiplications.
4x = 24
2 Remove the 4
4x means 4 times x.
We want just x.
To remove times 4, we divide by 4.
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.
4 divided by 4 is 1.
So just x is left.
24 divided by 4 is 6.
244 = 6
So x = 6!
x = 6
3 Check
Let's check: put 6 in place of x.
First the left side.
Left: 68 = 6÷28÷2 = 34
Now the right side.
Right: 34
Both sides are 3/4.
So x = 6 is right!
Both sides equal 34
Let's look back.
First: cross multiply.
Then: remove the 4.
Last: check.
Answer
x = 6