Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding Denominator in 15a/? = 3/b

Fraction Equations with Cross Multiplication

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

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

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Complete the appropriate denominator
00:04 We want to isolate the denominator, so we'll multiply by the denominator
00:15 Let's isolate the denominator
00:35 Let's break down 15 into factors 5 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

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

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's examine the problem:

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

Remember the fraction reduction operation,

In order for the fraction on the left side to be deemed reducible, all the terms in its denominator should have a common factor. Additionally, we want to reduce the number 15 to obtain the number 3. Furthermore we want to reduce the term a a from the fraction's numerator given that in the expression on the right side it doesn't appear as well as simultaneously obtaining the term b b in the denominator of the fraction on the right side. Note that this term doesn't appear in the expression in the numerator of the fraction on the left side, therefore we'll choose the expression:

5ab 5ab

since:

15=35 15=3\cdot5

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

15a?=3b1̸5b=?3b3b=!3b \frac{15a}{?}=\frac{3}{b} \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{\not{15}\not{a}}{\textcolor{red}{\not{5}\not{a}b}}\stackrel{?}{= }\frac{3}{b} \\ \downarrow\\ \boxed{\frac{3}{b} \stackrel{!}{= }\frac{3}{b} }

Therefore this choice is indeed correct.

In other words - the correct answer is answer B.

3

Final Answer

5ab 5ab

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Cross Multiplication Rule: When ab=cd \frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d} , then ad = bc
  • Factor Analysis: Since 15a ÷ 5a = 3, the denominator needs factor 5a
  • Verification Check: Substitute back: 15a5ab=3b \frac{15a}{5ab} = \frac{3}{b} after canceling ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Only considering numerical factors in the denominator
    Don't just think 15 ÷ ? = 3, so ? = 5! This ignores the variable 'a' in the numerator. The denominator 5 won't cancel the 'a', leaving you with 3a13b \frac{3a}{1} \neq \frac{3}{b} . Always consider both numerical and variable factors that need to be canceled.

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 can't the answer be just 5b since 15 ÷ 3 = 5?

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Good thinking, but you're missing the variable a! If the denominator were 5b, you'd get 15a5b=3ab \frac{15a}{5b} = \frac{3a}{b} , which still has 'a' in the numerator. You need 5ab to cancel both the 5 and the a.

How do I know which factors need to be in the denominator?

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Look at what needs to be eliminated from the numerator! Since 15a becomes 3, you need to divide by 5 (numerical) and by a (variable). So the denominator needs both: 5ab.

What if I cross multiply to check my answer?

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Great strategy! Cross multiply: 15a×b=3×5ab 15a \times b = 3 \times 5ab . This gives 15ab = 15ab ✓. When both sides match, you know your denominator is correct!

Why does the denominator need the 'b' if it's already on the right side?

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The 'b' moves from the denominator of the right fraction to the denominator of the left fraction during cross multiplication. Think of it as balancing: to make the fractions equal, both denominators need the 'b'.

Can I solve this without cross multiplication?

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Yes! Think of it as fraction reduction. You want 15a? \frac{15a}{?} to reduce to 3b \frac{3}{b} . What do you divide 15a by to get 3? Answer: 5a. What do you divide by to get b in the denominator? The missing denominator is 5ab!

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