350/21 = 525/x

I used to cross-multiply and then get x alone but this wasn't producing the right answer sometimes and gives me giant numbers to work with. Are there any easier methods to solve for x?

Question

350/21 = 525/x

I used to cross-multiply and then get x alone but this wasn't producing the right answer sometimes and gives me giant numbers to work with. Are there any easier methods to solve for x?

anonymous · Answer

if your looking for exact answers, then no, there arent really easier methods than cross multiplying.

anonymous · Answer

Ah I guess I probably just messed up some numbers when I got wrong answers. Thanks.

anonymous · Answer

525/(350/21) = 31.5, i think 31.5 is not a giant number

anonymous · Answer

I'll show you the steps I take.

$$\frac{ 350 }{ 21} = \frac{ 525 }{ x }$$Cross multiply$$350x = 11025$$Get x alone by dividing 350 on both sides to get 31.5. The answer however needs to be a fraction and I got a decimal. How do I turn this decimal into a fraction?

anonymous · Answer

31.5 = 315/10

anonymous · Answer

x = 11025/350 = 315/10

anonymous · Answer

and then...

anonymous · Answer

simplify a bit more @suzi20

anonymous · Answer

i think he doesnt need mix fraction

anonymous · Answer

numerator and denominator are both divisible by 5... simplify fraction

anonymous · Answer

ok but he has to do it alone, we just give a little light in the darkness

anonymous · Answer

Absolutely!  I love your approach.