Step 1 of 4 · Why this works
Two products on either side of = means the same TOTAL — arranged two different ways.
2 × 6 = 3 × ?
Same total (12) — so 3 × ? must equal 12 → ? = 4
The trick: when two products are equal, find the missing factor by computing the known side and dividing.
a × b = c × ? → ? = (a × b) ÷ c
Step 2 of 4 · 16 × 3 = ☐ × 6
Compute the left, then divide by the known right factor.
16 × 3 = ☐ × 6
↓compute the left side
48 = ☐ × 6
↓divide both sides by 6
☐ = 48 ÷ 6 = 8
Step 3 of 4 · 12 × 21 = 14 × ☐
Same recipe.
12 × 21 = 14 × ☐
↓compute the left side: 12 × 21
252 = 14 × ☐
↓divide both sides by 14
☐ = 252 ÷ 14 = 18
Tip: if the numbers share factors, you can cancel first. 12 × 21 = 14 × ☐ → 12 × (21/7) = (14/7) × ☐ → 12 × 3 = 2 × ☐ → 36 = 2☐ → ☐ = 18.
Step 4 of 4 · Your turn
Find the missing factor.
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Nice work!
You found the missing pieces.