1/s+1/r=1/b. solve for b?

rational expressions

1 Answer
Nov 24, 2017

# b = (rs) / (r + s)#

Explanation:

Given

#(1)/(s) + (1)/(r) = (1)/(b)#

Solve for #b#

1) Get #b# out of the denominator by multiplying all the terms on both sides by #b# and letting the denominator cancel.
After you have multiplied and canceled, you will have this:
#(b)/(s) + (b)/(r) = (1)/(1)#

2) Clear the first fraction by multiplying all the terms on both sides by #s# and letting that denominator cancel.
#(b)/(1) + (bs)/(r) = (s)/(1)#

3) Clear the second fraction by multiplying all the terms on both sides by #r# and letting that denominator cancel.
#(br)/(1) + (bs)/(1) = (rs)/(1)#

This is the same as
#br + bs = rs#

4) Factor out #b#
#b(r + s) = rs#

5) Divide both sides by #(r + s)# to isolate #b#
# b = (rs) / (r + s)##larr# answer

Answer:
# b = (rs) / (r + s)#