When faced with the question, “4 times what equals 36?”, many people might immediately think of division to solve for the unknown value. However, there’s a more straightforward approach that can be used to find the answer quickly and easily.
Understanding the Question
The question “4 times what equals 36?” can be broken down into two parts:
- 4 times: This means that we need to multiply a certain value by 4.
- Equals 36: This means that the result of the multiplication should be equal to 36.
Solving the Equation
To solve the equation, we need to find the value that, when multiplied by 4, gives us 36. This value can be found by dividing 36 by 4.
Value = 36 ÷ 4
Value = 9
Therefore, the value that makes “4 times what equals 36?” true is 9.
A Real-World Example
Let’s consider a real-world example to illustrate the concept. Suppose you have a rectangular garden that is 4 meters wide. If you want the length of the garden to be 36 meters, what should be the length?
Using the equation “4 times what equals 36?”, we can find the answer:
Value = 36 ÷ 4 = 9
Therefore, the length of your garden should be 9 meters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When solving equations like “4 times what equals 36?”, it’s important to avoid common mistakes such as:
- Forgetting the multiplication step: Remember that the question is asking for a value that, when multiplied by 4, equals 36.
- Dividing the result by 4: After multiplying the value by 4, do not divide the result by 4 again. This will give you the original value, not the correct answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the value that makes “4 times what equals 36?” true?
A: 9
Q2: How do I solve an equation like this?
A: Divide the result by the number that is being multiplied.
Q3: Can I use this concept to solve other similar problems?
A: Yes, this concept can be applied to solve any equation in the form of “a times what equals b”.
Q4: What are some real-world applications of this concept?
A: Finding the length of a rectangle, calculating the speed of an object, or determining the number of items in a group.
Q5: What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
A: Forgetting the multiplication step and dividing the result by the multiplier.
Q6: Can I use a calculator to solve these equations?
A: Yes, a calculator can be used to simplify the calculations.
Q7: What if the value I find is a decimal?
A: Decimal values are perfectly acceptable as answers.
Q8: How can I improve my ability to solve these equations?
A: Practice solving equations regularly and review the basic concepts of multiplication and division.