Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator
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Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator
Examine the following problem:
Remember the fraction reduction operation,
Begin with the numbers:
In order for the fraction on the left side to be reducible, we want all the terms in its denominator to have a common factor,
Additionally, we want to reduce the number 15 to obtain the number 3 in the fraction's numerator. Furthermore we also want the number 4 in the fraction's denominator.
For this purpose, we'll select the number 15 - which is in the numerator of the left side as a product of numbers where one of them is the number 3. Remember that the number which we multiply by 3 in order to obtain the number 15 is the number 5:
Now we want that after reduction only the number 3 remains in the numerator of the fraction on the left side. However in the fraction's denominator the number 4 remains, meaning - that the number 5 will be reduced, therefore the obvious choice is the number 20, due to the fact that:
Let's continue to the letters:
Examine the expression once again:
We want the term in the denominator of the fraction on the right side. Note that this term is not found in the expression in the numerator of the fraction on the left side. Therefore for the letters we'll choose the expression:
In summary, for both the letters and numbers together we'll choose the expression:
Let's verify that from this choice we obtain the expression on the right side:
Therefore this choice is indeed correct.
That means - the correct answer is answer A.
Determine if the simplification shown below is correct:
\( \frac{7}{7\cdot8}=8 \)
Good thinking, but you're missing a key step! While 15 ÷ 3 = 5, look at the right side: the denominator is 4a, not just a. You need so that when you reduce by canceling 5, you get .
Great question! Since 15 ÷ 5 = 3, you need to divide by 5. In fractions, this means both numerator and denominator must have 5 as a factor that cancels out. So if the numerator has 15 = 3 × 5, the denominator needs 20 = 4 × 5.
Cross-multiplication works perfectly here! You get: 15b × 4a = 3b × (?). This gives you 60ab = 3b × (?). Divide both sides by 3b to get 20a as your answer.
Substitute and reduce! . Cancel the common factor 5: . Perfect match with the right side!
Look at the right side of the equation: . The denominator contains both the number 4 and the variable a. For the fractions to be equal, the missing denominator must also contain the variable a.
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