Question

How do you solve `2/x=7/9`?

Answer 1

`=> x = 18/7`

Explanation:

We are given:

`=>2/color(blue)x=7/color(red)9`

If we multiply both sides by `color(red)9color(blue)x`, we get:

`=>(2(color(red)9cancelcolor(blue)x))/cancelx = (7(cancelcolor(red)9color(blue)x))/cancel9`

Now we can simplify and continue solving for `x`.

`=>18=7x`

`=> 18/7=x`

With ratios, this is sometimes referred to as cross-multiplication:

`=>a/b = c/d overset("cross-multiply")-> ad = bc`

Answer 2

`x=18/7`

Explanation:

`2/x=7/9`

we need to leave `x` on one side.

so times both sides by `x`

we get 7

`2=7/9x`

times both sides by `7/9`

we get

`2*9/7=x`

simplify it and we get

`18/7=x`