Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator
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Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator
Let's examine the problem:
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 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 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:
since:
Let's verify that with this choice we obtain the expression on the right side:
Therefore this choice is indeed correct.
In other words - the correct answer is answer B.
Determine if the simplification shown below is correct:
\( \frac{7}{7\cdot8}=8 \)
Good thinking, but you're missing the variable a! If the denominator were 5b, you'd get , which still has 'a' in the numerator. You need 5ab to cancel both the 5 and the a.
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.
Great strategy! Cross multiply: . This gives 15ab = 15ab ✓. When both sides match, you know your denominator is correct!
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'.
Yes! Think of it as fraction reduction. You want to reduce to . 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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