Question

How do you solve `\frac { 23.92} { 4.42} = \frac { a } { 1.7`?

Answer 1

`a=9.2`

Explanation:

When solving an equation with one fraction equal to another fraction we can use a technique called `color(blue)"cross multiplication"` as shown below.

`color(blue)(23.92)/color(red)(4.42)=color(red)(a)/color(blue)(1.7)`

Now multiply the terms at either end of an imaginary cross (X) and equate them.
That is multiply the `color(red)" red terms together"` and the `color(blue)" blue terms together"` and equate them.

`color(red)(4.42)xxcolor(red)(a)=color(blue)(23.92)xxcolor(blue)(1.7)`

`rArr4.42a=40.664`

To solve for a, divide both sides by 4.42

`(cancel(4.42) a)/cancel(4.42)=40.664/4.42`

`rArra=9.2" is the solution"`