Finding a Missing Factor

Property If a factor is missing in the equation $n \times g = t$, you find it by dividing the total by the known factor. $$ n = t \div g \quad \text{or} \quad g = t \div n $$.

Examples 360 chairs total with 15 in each row: $n \times 15 = 360 \rightarrow n = 360 \div 15 = 24$ rows. 98 band members in 14 equal rows: $14 \times g = 98 \rightarrow g = 98 \div 14 = 7$ members per row.

Explanation Think of it as working backward! When you already have the total and know the size of each group, division is your trusty tool to figure out exactly how many groups there are. It’s like unscrambling a multiplication problem to find the missing piece of the puzzle.