Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Denominator in 18b/? = 3b/a

Fraction Equations with Cross-Multiplication

Complete the compound expression in the denominator

18b?=3ba \frac{18b}{?}=\frac{3b}{a}

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1

Understand the problem

Complete the compound expression in the denominator

18b?=3ba \frac{18b}{?}=\frac{3b}{a}

2

Step-by-step solution

Let's examine the problem:

18b?=3ba \frac{18b}{?}=\frac{3b}{a}

Remember the fraction reduction operation,

In order for the fraction on the left side to be reducible, all numbers in its denominator must have a common factor. Additionally, we want to reduce the number 18 to obtain the number 3. We also want the term a a in the denominator of the fraction on the right side. Note that this term is not found in the expression in the numerator of the fraction on the left side, therefore we will choose the expression:

6a 6a

Since:

18=36 18=3\cdot6

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

18b?=3ba1̸8ba=?3ba3ba=!3ba \frac{18b}{?}=\frac{3b}{a} \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{\not{18}b}{\textcolor{red}{\not{6}a}}\stackrel{?}{= }\frac{3b}{a} \\ \downarrow\\ \boxed{\frac{3b}{a}\stackrel{!}{= }\frac{3b}{a} }

Therefore this choice is indeed correct.

In other words - the correct answer is answer D.

3

Final Answer

6a 6a

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
  • Technique: From 18b6a=3ba \frac{18b}{6a} = \frac{3b}{a} , cross-multiply: 18b × a = 3b × 6a
  • Check: Simplify the fraction to verify it equals the right side ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Forgetting to include all factors in the denominator
    Don't just put 6 in the denominator = 18b6=3b \frac{18b}{6} = 3b , not 3ba \frac{3b}{a} ! You need the variable 'a' to match the right side. Always include both the number factor AND the variable factor when reducing fractions.

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 6 instead of 6a?

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Because the right side has a in the denominator! If you put just 6, you get 18b6=3b \frac{18b}{6} = 3b , but the right side is 3ba \frac{3b}{a} . You need the a to make both sides truly equal.

How do I know what factors to include?

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Look at what you need to cancel out from the numerator and what needs to remain in the denominator. Since 18 ÷ 6 = 3, and you need 'a' in the denominator, the answer is 6a.

Can I check my answer by cross-multiplying?

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Yes! Cross-multiply to verify: 18b × a should equal 3b × 6a. Both give you 18ab, so your answer is correct!

What if there were different variables?

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The same method works! Always look for the common factors you can cancel from numerator and denominator, then include any variables needed to match the right side.

Why does 6b not work as an answer?

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Because 18b6b=3 \frac{18b}{6b} = 3 , not 3ba \frac{3b}{a} ! The 'b' cancels out completely, leaving just 3, but you need 3b over a.

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