Algebraic fractions - Math Central

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Question from Yvonne, a parent:

Hi,
Would you please help me on the following 2 questions?

1. Given that 3x-5y / 2x-y = 2/3, find the value of 2x/5y.

2. If 3x-5y / 7x-4y = 3/4, find the value of x/y.

Thank you.

Yvonne,

How about

(2x - 3y)/(3x + y) = 1/3 find the value of 2x/5y.

I would start by multiplying both sides of (2x - 3y)/(3x + y) = 1/3 by 3(3x + y) to eliminate the fractions

3(2x - 3y) = 3x + y

which simplifies to

3x = 10 y

thus

x/y = 10/3 so 2x/5y = 2/5 × 10/3 = 4/3

Now try your problems,

Penny

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