How do you solve #40/56=k/7#?

1 Answer
Jan 21, 2017

#k=5#

Explanation:

To eliminate the fractions, multiply both sides of the equation by the #color(blue)"lowest common multiple "( LCM)# of 56 and 7

multiply both sides by 56

#cancel(56)^1xx40/cancel(56)^1=cancel(56)^8xxk/cancel(7)^1#

#rArr40=8k#

To solve for k, divide both sides by 8

#40/8=(cancel(8) k)/cancel(8)#

#rArrk=5" is the solution"#

#color(blue)"Note"# the fraction on the left side can be simplified by dividing the numerator/denominator by 8

#40/56=k/7#

#rArrcancel(40)^5/cancel(56)^7=k/7#

Since the fractions are equal then k = 5