Solve for :
Record the conditions that make the algebra legal. The equation only makes sense if (otherwise both sides are undefined), and dividing by later requires . In the physical reading — this is Newton's gravitational field compared at the same distance — is a nonzero constant, so both conditions hold automatically.
Clear the identical denominators. Multiplying both sides by :
Because the same sits under both sides, one multiplication removes it entirely; there is no cross-multiplication to do.
Divide by the common factor .
This is the only step where is needed. Note that no rearranging of or was required — they were already isolated by the cancellations.
Interpret the result. The distance has dropped out completely, so the conclusion holds at every separation: two bodies produce the same gravitational field at the same distance precisely when their masses are equal. The answer therefore depends on neither nor .
Check by substitution. Putting back in makes the two sides literally the same expression , so the equation is satisfied — and it is satisfied for no other value of , since forces once .
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