Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Numerator in ?/(15a) = 2b/3

Cross-Multiplication with Algebraic Variables

Complete the corresponding expression in the numerator

?15a=2b3 \frac{?}{15a}=\frac{2b}{3}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Complete the appropriate numerator
00:07 We want to isolate the numerator, so we'll multiply by the denominator
00:20 We'll break down 15 into factors 3 and 5
00:27 We'll reduce what we can
00:36 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Complete the corresponding expression in the numerator

?15a=2b3 \frac{?}{15a}=\frac{2b}{3}

2

Step-by-step solution

Examine the following problem:

?15a=2b3 \frac{?}{15a}=\frac{2b}{3}

Remember the fraction reduction operation,

Let's start with the numbers:

In order for the fraction on the left side to be reducible, all the numbers in its numerator must have a common factor.

We want to reduce the number 15 to the number 3 in the fraction's denominator. Additionally we want the number 2 in the fraction's numerator following reduction:

For this purpose, we'll use the number 15 - which is in the denominator 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:

?15a=2b3?35a=2b3 \frac{?}{15a}=\frac{2b}{3} \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{?}{\textcolor{blue}{3}\cdot\textcolor{orange}{5}\cdot a}=\frac{2b}{\textcolor{blue}{3}}

We want that the number 3 alone remains in the denominator of the fraction on the left side, following the reduction. However in the fraction's numerator the number 2 remains, meaning - that the number 5 will be reduced, therefore the obvious choice is the number 10, due to the fact that:

10=25 10=2\cdot\textcolor{orange}{5}

Let's continue to the letters:

Let's examine the expression once again:

?15a=2b3 \frac{?}{15a}=\frac{2b}{3}

We want to reduce the term a a from the fraction's denominator since in the expression on the right side it doesn't appear. Simultaneously we want to obtain the term b b in the numerator of the fraction on the right side. Note that this term doesn't appear in the expression in the denominator of the fraction on the left side, therefore for the letters we will choose the expression:

ab ab

In summary, for the letters and numbers together we will choose the expression:

10ab \boxed{10ab}

Let's verify that from this choice we obtain the expression on the right side:

?15a=2b310ab15a=?2b32b3̸a=2b32b3=!2b3 \frac{?}{15a}=\frac{2b}{3} \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{\textcolor{red}{10ab}}{15a}\stackrel{?}{= }\frac{2b}{3} \\ \frac{2\cdot\textcolor{orange}{\not{5}}\cdot \not{a}\cdot b}{3\cdot\textcolor{orange}{\not{5}}\cdot \not{}a}=\frac{2b}{3} \\ \downarrow\\ \boxed{\frac{2b}{3}\stackrel{!}{= }\frac{2b}{3}}

Therefore this choice is indeed correct.

In other words - the correct answer is answer B.

3

Final Answer

10ab 10ab

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Cross-multiply to eliminate fractions when solving for missing numerator
  • Technique: Multiply diagonally: ? × 3 = 2b × 15a
  • Check: Substitute answer back: 10ab15a=2b3 \frac{10ab}{15a} = \frac{2b}{3} reduces to 2b3 \frac{2b}{3}

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to multiply by all variables
    Don't just multiply 2 × 5 = 10 and ignore the variables! This gives the wrong answer 10 instead of 10ab. The missing numerator must include both the numerical factor and all variables needed for proper reduction. Always consider what cancels in both numerator and denominator.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Identify the field of application of the following fraction:

\( \frac{7}{13+x} \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why isn't the answer just 10?

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The answer needs both numbers and variables! When you reduce 10ab15a \frac{10ab}{15a} , the 'a' cancels out and 15÷5=3, giving you 2b3 \frac{2b}{3} . Without the variables, you can't get the correct result.

How do I know which variables to include?

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Look at what needs to cancel out and what needs to remain! The denominator has 'a' that must cancel, and the final answer needs 'b' in the numerator, so you need both 'a' and 'b'.

Can I solve this without cross-multiplication?

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Yes! You can multiply both sides by 15a to clear the left denominator: ?=2b×15a3=10ab ? = \frac{2b \times 15a}{3} = 10ab . Both methods give the same answer.

What if I get confused about which numbers go together?

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Break it down step by step:

  • Numbers: 15 ÷ 3 = 5, and 2 × 5 = 10
  • Variables: 'a' cancels, 'b' stays
  • Combine: 10ab

How can I check if 10ab is really correct?

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Substitute and simplify! 10ab15a=10×a×b15×a=10b15=2b3 \frac{10ab}{15a} = \frac{10 \times a \times b}{15 \times a} = \frac{10b}{15} = \frac{2b}{3} ✓ It matches the right side perfectly!

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