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Solve one-step multiplication equations

This understanding treats a one-step multiplication equation as an equality involving an unknown factor, such as n×6=42n \times 6 = 42 or 6×n=426 \times n = 42, and interprets the relationship through equal groups, arrays, and related multiplication facts. The learner finds the missing whole-number factor using division or known fact families, understands multiplication and division as inverse operations, and checks the solution by substitution; equations with variables on both sides, negative numbers, fractions, or more advanced symbolic manipulation are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Solve one-step multiplication equations

A multiplication equation has a missing factor. Your goal is to find the number that makes both sides equal.

Example:

n×6=42n \times 6 = 42

  1. Think about equal groups.
    The equation means there are nn groups of 66, making 4242 altogether.

  2. Use the inverse operation.
    Division undoes multiplication, so divide 4242 by 66:

n=42÷6n = 42 \div 6

  1. Find the missing factor.

n=7n = 7

  1. Check your answer.
    Substitute 77 for nn in the original equation:

7×6=427 \times 6 = 42

Since 7×67 \times 6 does equal 4242, the solution is:

n=7\boxed{n=7}

You can also use the related fact family: 6×7=426 \times 7=42, 7×6=427 \times 6=42, 42÷6=742\div6=7, and 42÷7=642\div7=6.

Learn by doing: Solve one-step multiplication equations

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