Multiplication Problems With a multiplication problem, we get rid of the number by dividing on both sides. For example consider the following example. Example `4x=20`

`4x=20`	Variable is multiplied by 4
`(4x)/color(red)(4)=20/color(red)(4)`	Divide both sides by `4`
`x=5`	Solution!

Then we get our solution `x = 5` With multiplication problems it is very important that care is taken with signs. If `x` is multiplied by a negative then we will divide by a negative. Example `−5x=30`

`−5x=30 `
`(−5x)/color(red)(-5)=30/color(red)(-5) `	Divide both sides by `−5`
`x=-6 `	Solution!

The same process is used in each of the following examples. Notice how negative and positive numbers are handled as each problem is solved. Division Problems: In division problems, we get rid of the denominator by multiplying on both sides. For example consider our next example. Example `x/5 = − 3`

`x/5 = − 3 `	Variable is divided by `5`
`x/5 times color(red)(5) = − 3 times color(red)(5)`	Multiply both sides by `5`
`x = − 15 `	Solution!