Can you prove this fractional equality?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter anemone
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    2015
In summary, fractional equality is the concept of two fractions being equal to each other. This is proven using the cross-multiplication method, which involves comparing the products of the numerators and denominators of the fractions. Other methods include comparing decimal forms and simplifying to lowest terms. Fractional equality is important in mathematics as it allows for comparison and equating of fractions, understanding of the relationship between fractions and decimals, and simplifying and converting fractions.
  • #1
anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Prove that if $\dfrac{a+b}{3x-y}=\dfrac{b+c}{3y-z}=\dfrac{c+a}{3z-x}$, then $\dfrac{a+b+c}{x+y+z}=\dfrac{ax+by+cz}{x^2+y^2+z^2}$.

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  • #2
Congratulations to kaliprasad for his correct solution:

Solution from kaliprasad:

We have

$\dfrac{a+b}{3x-y}= \dfrac{b+c}{3y-z}=\dfrac{c+a}{3z-x}$

Using law of proportionate

if $\dfrac{p}{q} = \dfrac{r}{s} = \dfrac{t}{u}$ then

$\dfrac{p}{q} = \dfrac{r}{s} = \dfrac{t}{u} = \dfrac{p+r+t}{q+s+u}$ we have

$\dfrac{a+b}{3x-y}= \dfrac{b+c}{3y-z}=\dfrac{c+a}{3z-x}= \dfrac{2(a+b+c)}{2(x+y+z)}= \dfrac{a+b+c}{x+y+z}\cdots(1)$ If $\dfrac{p}{q} = \dfrac{r}{s}$

Then $\dfrac{p}{q} = \dfrac{r}{s} = \dfrac{p-r}{q-s}$

We get from

$\dfrac{a+b+c}{x+y+z}=\dfrac{a+b}{3x-y}= \dfrac{a+b+c-(a+b)}{x+y+z-(3x-y)} = \dfrac{c}{z-2x+2y}\cdots(2)$ using law of proportionate

Similarly

$\dfrac{a+b+c}{x+y+z}=\dfrac{b+c}{3y-z}= \dfrac{a+b+c-(b+c)}{x+y+z-(3y-z)} = \dfrac{a}{x-2y+2z}\cdots(3)$

and

$\dfrac{a+b+c}{x+y+z}=\dfrac{c+a}{3z-x}= \dfrac{a+b+c-(c+a)}{x+y+z-(3z-x)} = \dfrac{b}{y-2z+2x}\cdots(4)$

hence from (2) (3) and (4) we get

$\dfrac{a+b+c}{x+y+z}=\dfrac{a}{x-2y+2z}= \dfrac{b}{y-2z+2x} = \dfrac{c}{z-2x+2y}\cdots(5)$Using

$\dfrac{p}{q} = \dfrac{r}{s} = \dfrac{t}{u}= \dfrac{xp+yr+zt}{xq+ys+zu}$

We get

$\dfrac{a}{x-2y+2z}= \dfrac{b}{y-2z+2x} = \dfrac{c}{z-2x+2y}$

$ = \dfrac{ax + by+ cz}{x(x-2y+2z) + y(y-2z+2x) + z(z-2x+2y)}$

= $\dfrac{ax + by+ cz}{x^2+ y^2 + z^2}\cdots(6)$

From (5) and (6) we get

$\dfrac{a+b+c}{x+y+z}=\dfrac{ax+by+cz}{x^2+y^2+z^2}$
 

FAQ: Can you prove this fractional equality?

1. Can you explain the concept of fractional equality?

Fractional equality refers to the concept of two fractions being equal to each other. This means that they represent the same quantity or value, even though they may look different when written out.

2. How can you prove that two fractions are equal?

To prove that two fractions are equal, you can use the cross-multiplication method. This involves multiplying the numerator of one fraction by the denominator of the other fraction and comparing it to the product of the numerator of the other fraction and the denominator of the first fraction.

3. Can you provide an example of proving a fractional equality?

Sure, let's take the fractions 2/3 and 4/6. To prove their equality, we multiply 2 (numerator of 2/3) by 6 (denominator of 4/6), which equals 12. Then, we multiply 4 (numerator of 4/6) by 3 (denominator of 2/3), which also equals 12. Since both products are equal, we can say that 2/3 = 4/6.

4. Are there any other methods to prove fractional equality?

Yes, there are a few other methods such as comparing the decimal forms of the fractions or simplifying both fractions to their lowest terms and comparing them. However, the cross-multiplication method is the most commonly used and efficient method.

5. How is fractional equality important in mathematics?

Fractional equality is important in mathematics because it allows us to compare and equate different fractions, which is essential when solving equations or working with ratios and proportions. It also helps us understand the relationship between fractions and decimals, as well as simplifying and converting fractions into different forms.

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