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

Algebraic Fractions with Unknown Denominators

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

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

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:07 First, identify the correct denominator.
00:13 To focus on the denominator, we'll multiply by it on both sides.
00:20 Great! Now, let's focus on simplifying the expression.
00:27 Reduce any terms wherever possible.
00:36 And there you have it. That's our solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

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

2

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.

3

Final Answer

19b 19b

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Cross-multiplication: When AB=C \frac{A}{B} = C , then A = B × C
  • Isolation technique: From 19ab?=a \frac{19ab}{?} = a , multiply both sides by ?
  • Verification: Substitute back: 19ab19b=19ab19b=a \frac{19ab}{19b} = \frac{19ab}{19b} = a

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Trying to cancel terms before identifying the denominator
    Don't start canceling variables like 'a' from both sides = incomplete solution! This skips the crucial step of finding what makes the fraction equal to 'a'. Always first determine what denominator would create the given result, then verify by reduction.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Determine if the simplification shown below is correct:

\( \frac{7}{7\cdot8}=8 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I figure out what goes in the denominator?

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Think about what you need to cancel out from the numerator! Since 19ab?=a \frac{19ab}{?} = a , you need to eliminate the '19' and 'b' from the top, so the denominator must be 19b 19b .

Why can't the answer be just 'b' or just '19'?

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Let's check: If denominator = b, then 19abb=19a \frac{19ab}{b} = 19a (not equal to a). If denominator = 19, then 19ab19=ab \frac{19ab}{19} = ab (not equal to a). Only 19b works!

What's the pattern for solving these fraction equations?

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Follow this pattern: Identify what needs to be canceled from the numerator to get the result. The denominator should contain exactly those terms that need canceling.

How do I check if my denominator is correct?

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Substitute your answer and reduce the fraction. If it simplifies to match the right side of the equation, you're correct! Always verify by actually doing the cancellation.

Can I use cross-multiplication for this type of problem?

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Yes! Since 19ab?=a \frac{19ab}{?} = a , cross-multiplying gives: 19ab=a×? 19ab = a \times ? . Divide both sides by 'a' to get ?=19b ? = 19b .

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