Question

to solve 2/5 x = 14, you multiply both sides of the equation by 5/2. your friend divides both sides of the equation by 2/5. who is right? explain.

Answer 1

both are right

Explanation:

2/5x = 14

multiply both sides by 5/2:

(5/2)(2/5)x = 14(5/2)

x = 70/2 = 35

However, dividing by 2/5 is the same as multiplying by 5/2, so you are BOTH right. Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by the reciprocal of the fraction.