Skill: Solve one-step multiplication equations

A one-step multiplication equation has a number multiplying the unknown, such as

$$ax=b.$$

To isolate the unknown, use the inverse of multiplication: divide both sides by the coefficient.

Example

Solve:

$$-\frac{3}{4}x=6$$

1. Identify the coefficient of $x$.

   The coefficient is $-\frac{3}{4}$.

2. Divide both sides by $-\frac{3}{4}$:

$$x=\frac{6}{-\frac{3}{4}}$$

3. Dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal:

$$x=6\left(-\frac{4}{3}\right)=-8$$

4. Check the answer by substituting $-8$ for $x$:

$$-\frac{3}{4}(-8)=6$$

Since the left side equals the right side, the solution is

$$\boxed{x=-8}$$

Remember: divide by the coefficient, not by the unknown.