IN MATH: 1. v. in a proportion, to rewrite the equation so that the product of the means equals the product of the extremes. EX. Cross multiply to solve: 3/4 = x/17.

IN ENGLISH: 1. as defined above.


 

Remind me. Why Is It Legal to Cross Multiply?

  • It is legal to multiply any number by 1 without changing its value.
  • In solving an equation you must do the same thing to each side of the equation.
  • If you "flip" the proportion, exchanging numerators with denominators, the proportion is still true.
    This is the same as taking the reciprocal of each side of the equation.


APPLICATION: See list 350.

1. Cross multiply to solve: x/5=5/8.


IN MATH: 1. n. in solving a proportion by cross multiplication, either of the two products produced by the cross multiplication: either member or side of the equation resulting from cross multiplication, either the product of the means or the product of the extremes.

APPLICATION: 1. as defined above.

APPLICATION: See list 350.


This is a page from the dictionary MATH SPOKEN HERE!, published in 1995 by MATHEMATICAL CONCEPTS, inc., ISBN: 0-9623593-5-1.   You are hereby granted permission to make ONE printed copy of this page and its picture(s) for your PERSONAL and not-for-profit use.


[MC,i. Home] [Table] [Words] Classes [this semester's schedule w/links] [Good Stuff -- free & valuable resources] [next] [last]
© 2008, Agnes Azzolino
www.mathnstuff.com/math/spoken/here/1words/c/c48.htm