Solve for Missing Denominator in (6x³-3x²)/(?) = 3x²

Question

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

6x33x2?=3x21 \frac{6x^3-3x^2}{?}=\frac{3x^2}{1}

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's examine the problem:

6x33x2?=3x2 \frac{6x^3-3x^2}{?}=3x^2

First we'll examine that in the numerator of the fraction on the left side there is an expression that can be factored using factoring out a common factor, we will therefore factor out the largest common factor possible (meaning that the expression in parentheses cannot be further factored by taking out a common factor):

6x33x2?=3x23x2(2x1)?=3x2 \frac{6x^3-3x^2}{?}=3x^2 \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{3x^2(2x-1)}{?}=3x^2 \\ In factoring, we used of course the law of exponents:

am+n=aman \bm{a^{m+n}=a^m\cdot a^n}

Now we'll write the expression on the right side as a fraction (using the fact that dividing a number by 1 does not change its value):

3x2(2x1)?=3x23x2(2x1)?=3x21 \frac{3x^2(2x-1)}{?}=3x^2 \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{3x^2(2x-1)}{?}=\frac{3x^2}{1}

We'll continue solving the problem, thinking logically, and remember the fraction reduction operation, noting that in both the numerator both on the right side and on the left side there is the expression:3x2 3x^2 , therefore we don't want to reduce from the numerator on the left side, however, the expression:

2x1 2x-1 ,

is not found in the numerator on the right side (which is the fraction after reduction) therefore we can conclude that this expression needs to be reduced from the numerator on the left side, so the missing expression must be none other than:

2x1 2x-1

Let's verify that with this choice we indeed get the expression on the right side: (reduction sign)

3x2(2x1)?=3x23x2(2x1)2x1=?3x213x21=!3x21 \frac{3x^2(2x-1)}{?}=3x^2 \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{3x^2(2x-1)}{\textcolor{red}{2x-1}}\stackrel{?}{= }\frac{3x^2}{1} \\ \downarrow\\ \boxed{\frac{3x^2}{1} \stackrel{!}{= }\frac{3x^2}{1} }

and therefore choosing the expression:

2x1 2x-1

is indeed correct.

Which means that the correct answer is answer B.

Answer

2x1 2x-1