One-step multiplication and division equations, step by step

3x = 21 and x ÷ 4 = 3 are solved in a single move: undo the multiplying or dividing that ties x down.

The question

x ÷ 6 = 3

x ÷ 6=3
x ÷ 6 × 6=3 × 6
x=18
x ÷ 6=3
x=18
  1. x was DIVIDED by 6. To get back to x on its own, undo it — and the undo of dividing is multiplying.
  2. Multiply BOTH sides by 6. The left becomes just x; the right becomes 3 × 6 = 18.
  3. Check it: 18 ÷ 6 = 3, which is what the question said. So x = 18.

How it works.

  1. 01

    x was DIVIDED by 6. To get back to x on its own, undo it — and the undo of dividing is multiplying.

  2. 02

    Multiply BOTH sides by 6. The left becomes just x; the right becomes 3 × 6 = 18.

  3. 03

    Check it: 18 ÷ 6 = 3, which is what the question said. So x = 18.