How do you solve #frac { 8} { x } = 160#?

2 Answers
Nov 18, 2017

See some solution processes below

Explanation:

Process 1)

Multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(x)/color(blue)(160)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(x)/color(blue)(160) xx 8/x = color(red)(x)/color(blue)(160) xx 160#

#cancel(color(red)(x))/(cancel(color(blue)(160))20) xx color(blue)(cancel(color(black)(8)))/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(x))) = color(red)(x)/cancel(color(blue)(160)) xx color(blue)(cancel(color(black)(160)))#

#1/20 = x#

#x = 1/20#

Process 2)

First, rewrite the equation as:

#8/x = 160/1#

Because both sides of the equation are pure fractions we can flip the fractions giving:

#x/8 = 1/160#

Now, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(8)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(8) xx x/8 = color(red)(8) xx 1/160#

#cancel(color(red)(8)) xx x/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(8))) = cancel(color(red)(8)) xx 1/(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(160)))20)#

#x = 1/20#

Nov 18, 2017

The easiest way...

Explanation:

#8/x=160#

The easiest way to solve this, is to start with cross multiply

#160 * x = 8#

#160x = 8#

Divide both sides by #160#

#(160x)/160 = 8/160#

#x=1/20#

Or if you want the decimal, #x=0.05#