| | | ax | = | b | | | | x multiplied by a equals b |
| | | ÷ a | | | | | | the opposite of × a is ÷ a |
| | | | | ÷ | a | | | apply ÷ a to other side to keep equation in balance |
| | | x | = | b | ÷ | a | | consolidate both sides |
OR
show as follows
ax = b
÷ a ÷ a
x = b ÷ a
Example
| 2x | | | = | 5 | | | | x multiplied by 2 equals 5 |
| ÷ 2 | | | | | | | | the opposite of × 2 is ÷ 2 |
| | | | | ÷ 2 | | | | apply ÷ 2 to other side to keep equation in balance |
| | | x | = | 2·5 | | | | consolidate both sides |
OR
show as follows
2x = 5
÷ 2 ÷ 2
x = 2·5
|