Cross Multiply

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Cross Multiply

If two fractions are equal, say

then it is always true that the products of the numbers given by

are also equal, or ad= bc. This is the most common form of cross multiplication. That

implies ad = bc can be shown by multiplying both sides of

by the common denominator bd and canceling.

Cross multiplying is a common first step in solving proportions:

is equivalent to

3 × 21 = x × 7 or 7x = 63

Therefore, x = 9.

Adding fractions can also be done with cross multiplication.

The cross product of two vectors does not involve cross multiplying; the resemblance between the two terms is accidental.

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