Is multiplying both sides the same as cross multiplying?
No, multiplying both sides of an equation is not the same as cross multiplying.
When you multiply both sides of an equation by the same number, you are essentially distributing that number across both sides of the equation. This can help simplify the equation or isolate a variable.
On the other hand, cross multiplying is a technique used specifically for solving proportions. When you have a proportion with two ratios equal to each other, cross multiplying involves multiplying the numerator of one ratio by the denominator of the other ratio, and vice versa. This helps to determine if the two ratios are equal or not.