The equation representing the problem “18 divided by what is 90” is a simple algebraic expression solvable through basic arithmetic operations. It can be written as 18 / x = 90, where ‘x’ represents the unknown quantity. To find the value of ‘x’, one multiplies both sides of the equation by ‘x’ and then divides both sides by 90, resulting in x = 18/90 = 0.2. This demonstrates a fundamental concept in mathematics: finding an unknown variable within a division problem.
Understanding this type of equation is crucial for foundational mathematical literacy. Proficiency in solving such problems underpins more complex algebraic manipulations and is essential for various applications across numerous fields, including engineering, finance, and data analysis. The ability to translate a word problem into a solvable equation is a key skill developed early in mathematical education, laying the groundwork for more advanced problem-solving techniques. Historically, this type of problem-solving has been fundamental to advancements in many areas of human endeavor.
This foundational mathematical concept will be further explored in the following sections, which will cover advanced algebraic techniques and their real-world applications.
