Simplify the Algebraic Fraction: 14a/(2a×3a) Challenge

Fraction Simplification with Variable Cancellation

14a/(2a3a)=? 14a/(2a\cdot3a)=\text{?}

❤️ Continue Your Math Journey!

We have hundreds of course questions with personalized recommendations + Account 100% premium

Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:06 Let's solve this step-by-step.
00:09 First, write the division as a fraction.
00:15 Now, break down fourteen into its factors: two and seven.
00:27 Next, reduce the fraction by dividing common factors.
00:36 And there you have it, that's the solution!

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

14a/(2a3a)=? 14a/(2a\cdot3a)=\text{?}

2

Step-by-step solution

The problem asks us to simplify the expression 14a2a3a\frac{14a}{2a \cdot 3a}.

First, simplify the expression in the denominator:

  • The denominator 2a3a2a \cdot 3a can be expanded by multiplying the constants and variables separately: 23aa=6a22 \cdot 3 \cdot a \cdot a = 6a^2.

Now, the expression becomes:

  • 14a6a2\frac{14a}{6a^2}

Next, simplify the fraction by canceling out common factors in the numerator and the denominator:

  • Both the numerator and the denominator contain the variable aa. We can divide both by aa, resulting in:
  • 146a\frac{14}{6a}

Further simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2:

  • 14÷26÷2a=73a\frac{14 \div 2}{6 \div 2a} = \frac{7}{3a}

Thus, the simplified form of the expression is 73a\frac{7}{3a}.

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 73a\frac{7}{3a}.

3

Final Answer

73a \frac{7}{3a}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Simplify denominator first by multiplying constants and variables
  • Technique: Cancel common factors: 14a6a2=146a \frac{14a}{6a^2} = \frac{14}{6a}
  • Check: Verify by multiplying back: 73a×3a=7 \frac{7}{3a} \times 3a = 7

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Canceling variables incorrectly
    Don't cancel 'a' from 14a and 2a×3a without simplifying the denominator first = wrong answer! This skips the crucial step of recognizing that 2a×3a = 6a². Always simplify the denominator completely, then cancel common factors.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

\( 100-(5+55)= \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I multiply 2a×3a instead of just canceling with the numerator?

+

Order matters! You must simplify the denominator first: 2a×3a=6a2 2a \times 3a = 6a^2 . Only then can you cancel common factors between numerator and denominator.

Can I cancel the 'a' terms right away?

+

Not directly! The denominator 2a×3a 2a \times 3a contains a2 a^2 , while the numerator has only a a . You can only cancel one factor of 'a'.

How do I know when I'm done simplifying?

+

You're done when the greatest common factor of the numerator and denominator is 1. In this case, 7 and 3a share no common factors besides 1.

What if the variable cancels completely?

+

If all variables cancel out, you get a constant (just a number). But here, we have a2 a^2 in the denominator and only a a in the numerator, so one 'a' remains.

Why is my answer different from the multiple choice options?

+

Double-check your arithmetic! Common errors include forgetting to multiply 2×3=6 in the denominator or incorrectly canceling variables. The correct answer is 73a \frac{7}{3a} .

🌟 Unlock Your Math Potential

Get unlimited access to all 18 Commutative, Distributive and Associative Properties questions, detailed video solutions, and personalized progress tracking.

📹

Unlimited Video Solutions

Step-by-step explanations for every problem

📊

Progress Analytics

Track your mastery across all topics

🚫

Ad-Free Learning

Focus on math without distractions

No credit card required • Cancel anytime

More Questions

Click on any question to see the complete solution with step-by-step explanations