Math Problem Statement

the sum of numerator and denominator of a fraction is 180. when simplifying the fraction, it becomes 2/3. what is the fraction?

Solution

Let the fraction be represented as ab\frac{a}{b}, where aa is the numerator and bb is the denominator. According to the problem, we know two key things:

  1. The sum of the numerator and denominator is 180: a+b=180a + b = 180

  2. When simplified, the fraction becomes 23\frac{2}{3}: ab=23\frac{a}{b} = \frac{2}{3}

From the second condition, we can express aa in terms of bb as follows: a=23ba = \frac{2}{3}b

Step 1: Substituting aa in the first equation

Now substitute a=23ba = \frac{2}{3}b into a+b=180a + b = 180: 23b+b=180\frac{2}{3}b + b = 180

Step 2: Solving for bb

To combine the terms, first express bb as 33b\frac{3}{3}b: 23b+33b=180\frac{2}{3}b + \frac{3}{3}b = 180 53b=180\frac{5}{3}b = 180 Now multiply both sides by 3 to eliminate the fraction: 5b=5405b = 540 Finally, divide by 5: b=108b = 108

Step 3: Finding aa

Now that we know b=108b = 108, substitute this value back into a=23ba = \frac{2}{3}b: a=23×108=72a = \frac{2}{3} \times 108 = 72

Final Answer:

The fraction is 72108\frac{72}{108}, which simplifies to 23\frac{2}{3}.

Would you like further details or have any questions? Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. How do you simplify other fractions?
  2. What is the method to solve equations with two variables?
  3. Can you explain the concept of equivalent fractions?
  4. How do you find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of two numbers?
  5. What are the properties of proportions?

Tip: When simplifying fractions, always divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Fractions
Equations

Formulas

a + b = 180 (sum of numerator and denominator)
a = (2/3)b (relationship between numerator and denominator)

Theorems

Simplification of fractions
Proportion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8