How do I solve these proportions, 3/4 = -6/m?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how to solve the proportion 3/4 = -6/m for the variable m. This will involve cross-multiplying and isolating the variable to find its value.
Answer
$m = -8$
Answer for screen readers
The value of $m$ is $-8$.
Steps to Solve
- Cross-Multiply the Proportion
To solve the proportion $\frac{3}{4} = \frac{-6}{m}$, we will cross-multiply. This gives us:
$$ 3 \cdot m = 4 \cdot (-6) $$
- Multiply Both Sides
Now we perform the multiplication on the right side:
$$ 3m = -24 $$
- Isolate the Variable
To find the value of $m$, we divide both sides by 3:
$$ m = \frac{-24}{3} $$
- Calculate the Final Value of m
Now we simplify the fraction:
$$ m = -8 $$
The value of $m$ is $-8$.
More Information
The solution shows that $m$, when found, is a negative number. It's important to note that the original proportion involves negative values which can frequently result in a negative solution.
Tips
- Not cross-multiplying correctly: Be careful to multiply the correct pairs across the equation.
- Forgetting to simplify: Make sure to simplify your final answer after dividing.
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