How do you solve #1/a=2/14#?

2 Answers
Jan 29, 2017

#a=7#

Explanation:

The right side of the equation can be simplified.

#rArr2/14=cancel(2)^1/cancel(14)^7=1/7#

Since the fractions are equal.

#1/a=1/7rArra=7#

Jan 29, 2017

See the entire solution process below:

Explanation:

First, multiply each side of the equation by #color(red)(14)color(blue)(a)# to eliminate the fractions while keeping the equation balanced:

#color(red)(14)color(blue)(a) xx 1/a = color(red)(14)color(blue)(a) xx 2/14#

#color(red)(14)cancel(color(blue)(a)) xx 1/color(blue)(cancel(color(black)(a))) = cancel(color(red)(14))color(blue)(a) xx 2/color(red)(cancel(color(black)(14)))#

#14 = 2a#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(2)# to solve for #a# while keeping the equation balanced:

#14/color(red)(2) = (2a)/color(red)(2)#

#7 = (color(red)(cancel(color(black)(2)))a)/cancel(color(red)(2))#

#7 = a#

#a = 7#