Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Denominator in (16x-4)/? = 4

Question

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

16x4?=4 \frac{16x-4}{?}=4

Video Solution

Solution Steps

00:00 Complete the appropriate denominator
00:05 We want to isolate the denominator, so we'll multiply by the denominator
00:18 Let's isolate the denominator
00:35 Let's break down the fraction into 2 fractions
00:42 Let's calculate the quotients
00:47 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's examine the problem, first we'll write the expression on the right side as a fraction (using the fact that dividing a number by 1 does not change its value):

16x4?=416x4?=41 \frac{16x-4}{?}=4 \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{16x-4}{?}=\frac{4}{1}

Now let's think logically, and remember the fraction reduction operation,

In order for the fraction on the left side to be reducible, we want all the terms in its numerator to have a common factor, so first we'll check if it can be factored, and we'll identify that it indeed can be factored, using finding a common factor:

16x4?=414(4x1)?=41 \frac{16x-4}{?}=\frac{4}{1} \\ \frac{4(4x-1)}{?}=\frac{4}{1}

Now let's examine again the expression on the left side,

Note that to obtain the number 4 in the fraction's numerator after reduction, we need to reduce only the algebraic expression (two-term):

4x1 4x-1

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

4(4x1)?=414(4x1)4x1=?4141=!41 \frac{4(4x-1)}{?}=\frac{4}{1} \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{4(4x-1)}{\textcolor{red}{4x-1}}\stackrel{?}{= }\frac{4}{1} \\ \downarrow\\ \boxed{\frac{4}{1} \stackrel{!}{= }\frac{4}{1} }

Therefore this choice is correct.

In other words - the correct answer is answer D.

Answer

4x1 4x-1