How do you solve #7/9=a/5#?

1 Answer
Jan 30, 2017

The answer as an improper fraction is #35/9#.
The answer as a mixed fraction is #4 3/9#.
The answer using a calculator is #3.888888888889#.

Explanation:

Solve #7/9=a/5#

First cross multiply.

#7xx5=9xxa#

Simplify.

#35=9a#

Divide both sides by #9#.

#35/9=a#

Switch sides.
This is not an essential step, but a lot of teachers like the variable on the left-hand side.

#a=35/9#

This fraction cannot be reduced.

However, it can be written as a mixed fraction.

To convert the improper fraction to a mixed fraction, divide the numerator by the denominator to get the whole number, and write the remainder as the numerator.

#35-:9=32# remainder #3#

#35/9=4 3/9#

You could also use a calculator.

#35/9=3.888888888889#