cross-multiply

[ kraws-muhl-ti-plahy, kros- ]

verb (used without object)

, Mathematics.

, cross-mul·ti·plied, cross-mul·ti·ply·ing.

1. 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

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

Other Words From

• cross-mul·ti·pli·ca·tion cross mul·ti·pli·ca·tion [kraws, -muhl-ti-pli-, key, -sh, uh, n, kros, -], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cross-multiply¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Why do I love to cross-multiply?

From Slate