Cross multiplication is a method used to find unknown values in algebraic equations. For any equation in the form of ab=cd\frac{a}{b}=\frac{c}{d}ba=dc, the cross multiplication formula is a×d=b×ca \times d = b \times ca×d=b×c. This involves multiplying the numerator of the first fraction with the denominator of the second fraction, and the numerator of the second fraction with the denominator of the first fraction.
Cross multiplication has several applications in mathematics. It can be used to compare fractions with different denominators, to add or subtract unlike fractions, to find unknown values in expressions, and to compare ratios. When comparing ratios, if ab=cd\frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d}ba=dc, then the products after cross multiplication will be equal (a×d=b×ca \times d = b \times ca×d=b×c).
Examples of Cross Multiplication Example 1: Comparing Unlike Fractions Problem:Compare 37\frac{3}{7}73 and 58\frac{5}{8}85 using cross-multiplication.
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, When comparing two fractions with different denominators, we need to make their denominators the same. We can do this by changing the denominators to the product of both denominators: 7×8=567 \times 8 = 567×8=56.
Step 2, To find the new numerator for the first fraction, we multiply the numerator of the first fraction with the denominator of the second fraction: 3×8=243 \times 8 = 243×8=24. So the first fraction becomes: 2456\frac{24}{56}5624.
Step 3, Next, we multiply the second fraction's numerator by the first fraction's denominator: 5×7=355 \times 7 = 355×7=35. So the second fraction becomes: 3556\frac{35}{56}5635.
Step 4, Now we can compare the new fractions. Since 24563556\frac{24}{56} 56245635, we can say that 3758\frac{3}{7} 7385.
Example 2: Finding an Unknown Value Problem:If 888 candle-stands cost $40\$40$40, how much will 121212 such candle-stands cost?
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, Let's find the cost of 111 candle-stand based on the given information. Cost of 888 candle-stands = $40\$40$40, so cost of 111 candle-stand = 408\frac{40}{8}840.
Step 2, Let's call the cost of 121212 candle-stands "xxx". The cost of 111 candle-stand would then be x12\frac{x}{12}12x.
Step 3, Since the cost of 111 candle-stand remains the same in both cases, we can write: 408=x12\frac{40}{8} = \frac{x}{12}840=12x
Step 4, Now we can cross multiply to solve for x:
40×12=8×x40 \times 12 = 8 \times x40×12=8×x 480=8x480 = 8x480=8x x=4808=60x = \frac{480}{8} = 60x=8480=60Step 5, So, 121212 candle-stands will cost $60\$60$60.
Example 3: Solving an Equation with One Variable Problem:Find the value of xxx in the equation 1215=x10\frac{12}{15} = \frac{x}{10}1512=10x
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, We start with the given equation: 1215=x10\frac{12}{15} = \frac{x}{10}1512=10x
Step 2, Apply cross multiplication by multiplying the numerator of each fraction by the denominator of the other:
12×10=15×x12 \times 10 = 15 \times x12×10=15×xStep 3, Solve for xxx:
120=15x120 = 15x120=15x 12015=x\frac{120}{15} = x15120=x x=8x = 8x=8Step 4, Check our answer by substituting back into the original equation:
1215=810\frac{12}{15} = \frac{8}{10}1512=108 1215=45\frac{12}{15} = \frac{4}{5}1512=54Both sides simplify to the same value, so x=8x = 8x=8 is correct.
Comments(1)MCMs. CarterSeptember 17, 2025This explanation of cross multiplication was a lifesaver while helping my daughter with her homework! The step-by-step examples made it so easy to explain. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly!Explore More TermsConvert Decimal to FractionEven and Odd NumbersLess than or Equal toRepeated AdditionThousandthsDegree Angle MeasureView All Math TermsRecommended Interactive LessonsUse place value to multiply by 103Math3.OA.C.7Divide by 23Math3.OA.C.7Divide by 63Math3.OA.C.7Divide by 03Math3.OA.C.7Compare two 4-digit numbers using the place value chart3Math3.NBT.ADivide by 53Math3.OA.C.7View All Interactive LessonsRecommended VideosUnderstand Hundreds2Math2.NBT.A.1a, 2.NBT.A.1bWord problems: add and subtract within 1,0002Math2.NBT.B.7Subtract Mixed Numbers With Like Denominators4Math4.NF.B.3cClassify Triangles by Angles4Math4.G.A.2Write Equations For The Relationship of Dependent and Independent Variables6Math6.EE.C.9Word problems: division of fractions and mixed numbers6Math6.NS.A.1View All VideosRecommended WorksheetsIdentify and Count Dollars Bills2Math2.MD.C.8Measure Length to Halves and Fourths of An Inch3Math3.MD.B.4Find Angle Measures by Adding and Subtracting4Math4.MD.C.7Add Tenths and Hundredths4Math4.NF.C.5Word problems: four operations of multi-digit numbers4Math4.OA.A.2, 4.OA.A.3Percents And Decimals6Math6.RP.A.3View All WorksheetsRecommended Coloring PagesSanta holding gift bag in front with a cheerful smilePre-K – KAll SubjectsGlobe on a stand with a simple classroom deskPre-K – KAll SubjectsSingle magnolia tree with detailed flowers and leavesPre-K – KAll SubjectsA satellite fragment with a cracked solar panel floating alonePre-K – KAll SubjectsDog howling at the moon on a hill with a tree silhouette1 – 2All SubjectsOtter playing with a ball in shallow water1 – 2All SubjectsView All Coloring PagesRecommended BlogsWhat's a Perfect SAT Score? A Guide for K-6 FamiliesNovember 4, 2025Understanding All Five ACT Sections for K-12 Success: A Guide for Parents, Teachers, and KidsOctober 17, 2025ACT Prep Plan: Creating a Personalized Strategy for High School SuccessOctober 10, 2025ACT vs SAT: Key Differences Parents and Students Should KnowOctober 9, 2025Mastering the ACT: Smart Time Management Tips for Test SuccessOctober 9, 2025Army ASVAB Composite Scores: A Parent's Guide to Military Career PathsOctober 7, 2025View All Blog PostsQUICK LINKSAbout UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceTOOLSHomework HelperGuide DesignerPodcast MakerPlan BuilderRESOURCESMath GlossaryEnglish GlossaryEnglish Language ArtsMathematicsScienceBook InsightsFun with WordsBlog© 2025 EDU.COM. All rights reserved.智能索引记录
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