Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Denominator in 16ab/? = 2b

Fraction Equations with Missing Denominators

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

16ab?=2b \frac{16ab}{?}=2b

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Complete the appropriate denominator
00:03 We want to isolate the denominator, so we'll multiply by the denominator
00:12 Let's isolate the denominator
00:17 Let's reduce what we can
00:21 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

16ab?=2b \frac{16ab}{?}=2b

2

Step-by-step solution

After 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):

16ab?=2b16ab?=2b1 \frac{16ab}{?}=2b \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{16ab}{?}=\frac{2b}{1}

Remember the fraction reduction operation,

In order for the fraction on the left side to be deemed reducible, we want all the terms in its denominator to have a common factor. Additionally, we want to reduce the number 16 in order to obtain the number 2. Furthermore we want to reduce the term a a from the fraction's denominator given that in the expression on the right side it does not appear. Therefore we will choose the expression:

8a 8a

Due to the fact that:

16=82 16=8\cdot 2

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

16ab?=2b11̸6b=?2b12b1=!2b1 \frac{16ab}{?}=\frac{2b}{1} \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{\not{16}\not{a}b}{\textcolor{red}{\not{8}\not{a}}}\stackrel{?}{= }\frac{2b}{1} \\ \downarrow\\ \boxed{\frac{2b}{1}\stackrel{!}{= }\frac{2b}{1} }

Therefore this choice is indeed correct.

In other words - the correct answer is answer B.

3

Final Answer

8a 8a

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Use cross-multiplication to isolate the unknown denominator
  • Technique: Multiply both sides: 16ab = 2b × (denominator)
  • Check: Substitute back: 16ab/8a = 2b gives 2b = 2b ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Ignoring algebraic variables when simplifying
    Don't just focus on the numbers 16 and 2, forgetting about variables = wrong denominator! This leads to answers like 8 instead of 8a. Always consider what variables need to cancel from numerator and denominator.

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 just be 8?

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Look carefully at what needs to cancel! You have 16ab 16ab in the numerator and need 2b 2b as the result. The variable a must be eliminated, so it needs to appear in the denominator.

How do I know which variables to include in the denominator?

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Compare the numerator to the final result. Any variables that appear in the numerator but not in the final answer must be canceled out by the denominator.

What's the fastest way to solve this type of problem?

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Use cross-multiplication! Set up 16ab=2b×? 16ab = 2b \times ? , then divide both sides by 2b 2b to get ?=16ab2b=8a ? = \frac{16ab}{2b} = 8a .

Can I check my answer without substituting back?

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Yes! Look at the pattern: 16ab8a \frac{16ab}{8a} should simplify to 2b 2b . Cancel common factors: 168=2 \frac{16}{8} = 2 and aa=1 \frac{a}{a} = 1 , leaving 2b 2b .

What if there were more variables in the problem?

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The same principle applies! Identify which variables need to be eliminated by comparing the numerator to the desired result, then include those variables in the denominator.

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