If 15 divided by an equals 20 divided by a plus 12 then what does an equal?

Answer 1

15/a = 20/a + 12

Multiply each side by 'a' . . . 15 = 20 + 12a

Subtract 20 from each side . . . -5 = 12a

Divide each side by 12 . . . a = -(5/12)

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This is kind of a weird result. The math questions posted here typically

work out to simple integer solutions.

We know that parentheses don't survive the process when a question is posted.

I wonder if the right side of the equation was supposed to be 20/(a+12) instead.

Let's try it:

15/a = 20/(a+12)

Multiply each side by a·(a+12) . . . 15(a+12) = 20a

Expand the left side . . . 15a + 180 = 20a

Subtract 15a from each side . . . 180 = 5a

Divide each side by 5 . . . a = 36

That was probably the question.