Solve for the Denominator in 19ab/? = a: Algebraic Fraction Problem

Question

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

19ab?=a \frac{19ab}{?}=a

Video Solution

Step-by-Step Solution

Upon examining the problem, proceed to write down the expression on the right side as a fraction (using the fact that dividing a number by 1 doesn't change its value):

19ab?=a19ab?=a1 \frac{19ab}{?}=a \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{19ab}{?}=\frac{a}{1}
Remember the fraction reduction operation,

In order for the fraction on the left side to be deemed reducible, we want all the terms in its denominator to have a common factor. Additionally, we want to reduce the number 19 in order to obtain the number 1 as well as reducing the term b b from the fraction's numerator given that in the expression on the right side it doesn't appear. Therefore we'll choose the expression:

19b 19b

Let's verify that this choice results in the expression on the right side:

19ab?=a11̸9a1̸9=?a1a1=!a1 \frac{19ab}{?}=\frac{a}{1} \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{\not{19}a\not{b}}{\textcolor{red}{\not{19}\not{b}}}\stackrel{?}{= }\frac{a}{1} \\ \downarrow\\ \boxed{\frac{a}{1}\stackrel{!}{= }\frac{a}{1} }

Therefore this choice is indeed correct.

In other words - the correct answer is answer D.

Answer

19b 19b