cross-multiply

American

[kraws-muhl-ti-plahy, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˈmʌl tɪˌplaɪ, ˈkrɒs- /

Also cross multiply

verb (used without object)

Mathematics.

cross-multiplied, cross-multiplying

to remove fractions from an equation by multiplying each side by the common multiple of the denominators of the fractions of both sides.

cross-multiply Scientific

To multiply the numerator of one of a pair of fractions by the denominator of the other.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of cross-multiply

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

cross-multiplied

Notice in the last example that when we cleared the fractions by multiplying by the LCD, the result is the same as if we had cross-multiplied.

From Textbooks ● May 6, 2020

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023