Question

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

Answer 1

`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`

Answer 2

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`