Accepted Solution
In this exercise, we will delve into a specific kind of mathematical problem. Essentially, we are tasked with discovering an unknown value which, when used to divide a specific number, will result in a certain quotient. We will illustrate this using the problem: "42 divided by what equals 4?"
Methods
The first step to addressing this problem properly is to recognize that "what" represents a variable, which can be symbolized as "x". Subsequently, the original question is reframed as: "What number, x can we divide 42 by to equal 4?"
Solving 42 Divided by What Equals 4
Let's translate the problem into a formula:
\[ \frac{42}{x} = 4 \]
To solve this equation, our ultimate goal is to have the variable x all by itself on one side. Here's how we can accomplish this:
Start with multiplying both sides by x to shift the variable from under the fraction:
\[ 42 = 4x \]
Next, we isolate x on the right side of the equation by dividing each side by 4:
\[ x = \frac{42}{4} \]
After simplifying the equation accordingly, we can calculate the value of x:
\[ x = 10.5 \]
Practice Other Division problems Like This One
Keep honing your problem-solving skills with the following exercises: