Solve the Fraction Equation: Finding the Numerator in ?/5a = 2/5b

Cross Multiplication with Variable Expressions

Complete the corresponding expression in the numerator

?5a=25b \frac{?}{5a}=\frac{2}{5b}

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Complete the appropriate counter
00:04 We want to isolate the numerator, so we'll multiply by the denominator
00:17 Let's reduce what we can
00:24 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 in the numerator

?5a=25b \frac{?}{5a}=\frac{2}{5b}

2

Step-by-step solution

Examine the following problem:

?5a=25b \frac{?}{5a}=\frac{2}{5b}

Remember the fraction reduction operation,

In order for the fraction on the left side to be reducible all the terms in its numerator must have a common factor. Additionally the number 5 (which is in the denominator of the fraction on the right side) already exists in the denominator of the fraction on the left side, hence we don't want to reduce it,

We'll simply add that we want to obtain the number 2 that appears in the numerator of the fraction on the right side.

Now, we want to reduce the term a a from the denominator of the fraction on the left side given that it does not appear in the denominator on the right side and simultaneously obtain the term b b in the denominator of the fraction on the right side. Note that this term does not appear in the expression in the denominator of the fraction on the left side, therefore we will choose the expression:

2ab \frac{ 2a}{b}

Let's verify that from this choice we will obtain the expression on the right side. We will use the fact that multiplying a number by a fraction is actually multiplying the number by the fraction's numerator (in the first stage), and in fraction multiplication (in the second stage) in order to simplify the fraction resulting from this choice, then we'll reduce the simplified fraction:

?5a=25b(2ab)5a=?25b15a2ab=?25b25b=?25b25b=!25b \frac{?}{5a}=\frac{2}{5b} \\ \downarrow\\ \frac{\big(\frac{2a}{b}\big)}{5a}\stackrel{?}{= }\frac{2}{5b} \\ \frac{1}{5a}\cdot\frac{2a}{b}\stackrel{?}{= }\frac{2}{5b}\\ \frac{2\textcolor{red}{\not{a}}}{5\textcolor{red}{\not{a}}b}\stackrel{?}{= }\frac{2}{5b} \\ \downarrow\\ \boxed{\frac{2}{5b} \stackrel{!}{= }\frac{2}{5b} }

Therefore this choice is indeed correct.

In other words - the correct answer is answer D.

3

Final Answer

2ab \frac{2a}{b}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Rule: Cross multiply when one fraction equals another fraction
  • Technique: To find ?5a=25b \frac{?}{5a} = \frac{2}{5b} , cross multiply: ? × 5b = 2 × 5a
  • Check: Substitute 2ab \frac{2a}{b} back: 2a5ab=25b \frac{2a}{5ab} = \frac{2}{5b} after canceling ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Ignoring variables when cross multiplying
    Don't just focus on the numbers 2 and 5 = wrong answer! This ignores the variables a and b which are essential parts of the fractions. Always cross multiply the complete numerators and denominators, including all variables.

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 I just make the numerator 2 since the right side has 2?

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The denominators are different! The left side has 5a while the right has 5b. You need to account for this difference by including variables in the numerator to make the fractions truly equal.

How do I know which variables to include in my answer?

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Look at what's different between the denominators. Since 5a needs to become 5b, you need 'a' in the numerator and 'b' in the denominator to cancel and transform properly.

Can I simplify the fraction before cross multiplying?

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In this case, both fractions already have 5 in the denominator, but they can't be simplified further because of the different variables. Cross multiplication is your best approach here.

What if I get confused about which variable goes where?

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Remember: you want to cancel out what's different. Since the left has 'a' and the right has 'b', put 'a' in the numerator (to cancel with denominator's 'a') and 'b' in the denominator.

How can I check if my answer is right?

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Substitute your answer and simplify! 2a/b5a=2a5ab=25b \frac{2a/b}{5a} = \frac{2a}{5ab} = \frac{2}{5b} after canceling the 'a' terms. It matches the right side! ✓

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