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

Fraction Equations with Factoring Techniques

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

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

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Complete the appropriate denominator
00:05 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 written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

Complete the corresponding expression for the denominator

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

2

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.

3

Final Answer

4x1 4x-1

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Cross-multiplication: When ab=c \frac{a}{b} = c , then a=bc a = bc
  • Factoring: Factor 16x4=4(4x1) 16x-4 = 4(4x-1) to identify common terms
  • Verification: Check that 4(4x1)4x1=4 \frac{4(4x-1)}{4x-1} = 4 by canceling terms ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing without factoring first
    Don't try to divide 16x-4 by each answer choice directly = messy calculations! This leads to confusion and wrong answers. Always factor the numerator first to see what cancels cleanly.

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 do I need to factor 16x-4 first?

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Factoring reveals the structure of the expression! When you factor 16x4=4(4x1) 16x-4 = 4(4x-1) , you can clearly see what denominator will cancel with part of the numerator.

How do I know which factor becomes the denominator?

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Look for the factor that, when canceled, leaves you with the result on the right side. Since we want to get 4, we need the non-4 factor (4x1) (4x-1) as the denominator.

What if I can't factor the numerator?

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If the numerator doesn't factor nicely, use cross-multiplication instead. Multiply both sides by the unknown denominator, then solve for it algebraically.

Can I just try each answer choice?

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Yes! Substitution is a valid strategy. Replace the ? with each option and see which one makes 16x4denominator=4 \frac{16x-4}{denominator} = 4 true for all values of x.

Why is 4x-1 correct and not 16x-1?

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Because 4(4x1)4x1=4 \frac{4(4x-1)}{4x-1} = 4 after canceling! If you used 16x-1, you'd get 16x416x1 \frac{16x-4}{16x-1} which doesn't simplify to 4.

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