what times -14 equals 2

less than a minute read 25-12-2024

What Times -14 Equals 2? Solving the Equation

This article will guide you through solving the equation "What times -14 equals 2?" We'll explore the steps involved and explain the underlying mathematical principles.

Understanding the Problem

The question "What times -14 equals 2?" can be written as an algebraic equation:

x * -14 = 2

Where 'x' represents the unknown number we need to find. Our goal is to isolate 'x' on one side of the equation to determine its value.

Solving for x

To solve for 'x', we need to perform the inverse operation of multiplication, which is division. We'll divide both sides of the equation by -14:

x * -14 / -14 = 2 / -14

This simplifies to:

x = -1/7

Therefore, -1/7 times -14 equals 2.

Verification

Let's verify our answer:

(-1/7) * (-14) = 14/7 = 2

Our solution is correct.

Alternative Approaches

While the division method is the most straightforward, you could also approach this problem using different techniques. For instance, you might consider it as a fraction:

Think of it as a fraction: The equation can be represented as -14x = 2. You can then express this as a fraction: x = 2/-14. Simplifying this fraction yields x = -1/7.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the number that, when multiplied by -14, results in 2 is -1/7. Understanding the principles of inverse operations is crucial for solving such algebraic equations effectively. Remember to always check your answer by substituting it back into the original equation.

what times -14 equals 2