Solve for the Denominator: Finding ? in 27ab/? = 3ab

Algebraic Fractions with Missing Denominators

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

27ab?=3ab \frac{27ab}{\text{?}}=3ab

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Complete the appropriate denominator
00:08 We want to isolate the denominator, so we'll multiply by the denominator
00:18 Let's isolate the denominator
00:28 Let's reduce what we can
00:36 Let's break down 27 into factors 9 and 3
00:42 Let's reduce what we can
00:49 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 for the denominator

27ab?=3ab \frac{27ab}{\text{?}}=3ab

2

Step-by-step solution

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

27ab?=3ab27ab?=3ab1 \frac{27ab}{\text{?}}=3ab\\ \downarrow\\ \frac{27ab}{\text{?}}=\frac{3ab}{1}

Remember the fraction reduction operation,

Note that both in the numerator of the expression on the right side and in the numerator of the expression on the left side the expression ab ab is present. Therefore in the expression we are looking for there are no variables (since we are not interested in reducing them from the expression in the numerator on the left side),

Next, determine which number was chosen to be in the denominator of the expression on the left side in order that its reduction with the number 27 yields the number 3. The answer to this - the number 9,

Due to the fact that:

27=93 27=9\cdot 3

Let's verify that this choice indeed gives us the expression on the right side:

27ab?=3ab12̸7ab=?3ab13ab1=!3ab1 \frac{27ab}{\text{?}}=\frac{3ab}{1} \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{\not{27}ab}{\textcolor{red}{\not{9}}}\stackrel{?}{= }\frac{3ab}{1} \\ \downarrow\\ \boxed{\frac{3ab}{1}\stackrel{!}{= }\frac{3ab}{1} }

Therefore this choice is indeed correct.

In other words - the correct answer is answer A.

3

Final Answer

9 9

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: When dividing by a number equals a result, find the divisor
  • Technique: Set up 27ab ÷ ? = 3ab, so ? = 27ab ÷ 3ab = 9
  • Check: Verify 27ab/9 = 3ab by reducing 27/9 = 3 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Including variables in the denominator
    Don't put variables like 'ab' in the denominator when they appear in both numerators = wrong simplification! The variables cancel out completely during reduction. Always focus only on the numerical coefficients: 27 ÷ 3 = 9.

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

Why isn't the answer 9ab if both sides have ab?

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Great question! The variables ab appear in both the numerator (27ab) and the result (3ab), so they cancel out during division. You only need to find what number divides 27 to get 3.

How do I know when to include variables in my answer?

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Look at both sides of the equation! If the same variables appear on both sides, they'll cancel out. Only include variables in your denominator if they don't appear in the final result.

Can I solve this by cross-multiplying?

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Absolutely! Rewrite as 27ab?=3ab1 \frac{27ab}{?} = \frac{3ab}{1} , then cross-multiply: 27ab × 1 = 3ab × ?, so ? = 27ab ÷ 3ab = 9.

What if I get confused about which numbers to divide?

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Think of it this way: "What do I divide 27 by to get 3?" The answer is 9, because 27 ÷ 9 = 3. The variables are just along for the ride!

How can I check if 9 is really correct?

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Substitute back into the original equation: 27ab9=27ab9=3ab \frac{27ab}{9} = \frac{27ab}{9} = 3ab . Since both sides equal 3ab, your answer is right!

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