Expert: Scott A Wilson - 1/30/2010

Question
I need to solve for x.

The problem is a density problem with 2.70 being the density, and 2.21 being the mass. X would be the volume.

2.70 = 2.21\x

I though that I would have to multiply both sides by 2.21, but with 'x' being on the bottom of the fraction I got confused.  Would I possibly have to multiply both sides by 'x' so then my equation would be 2.70x = 2.21, and then I would divide both sides by 2.70.

Answer
The equation for the density d is the mass m over the volume v,
so written into an equation form that is d = m/v.

In this case, x is the volume, so the equation is d = m/v.

So if d  = 2.70 and m = 2.21, that give 2.7 = 2.21/x

Multiplying both sides by x gives 2.7x = 2.21.

Dividing both sides by 2.7 gives x = 2.21/2.7.