Question 1
The product of two rational numbers is \(-\frac{40}{3}.\) If one of them is \(-\frac{5}{2}\), and the reciprocal of the other is x, then what is the value of \((8x + 2\frac{1}{4})\)?
- AOption (a)
\(4\frac{1}{2}\)
- BOption (b)
\(4\frac{3}{4}\)
- COption (c)
\(3\frac{1}{2}\)
- DOption (d)
\(3\frac{3}{4}\)
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Correct answer
\(3\frac{3}{4}\)
Why this answer is correct
Shortcut Trick
Product = N1 × N2 ⇒ −40/3 = (−5/2) × N2
Other number (N2) = (−40/3) × (−2/5) = 80/15 = 16/3
Value of x (reciprocal of N2) = 3/16
Required value = 8 × (3/16) + 2 1/4 = 1.5 + 2.25 = 3.75
∴ The correct answer is 3 3/4.
Alternate Method
Given:
Product of two rational numbers = −40/3
One rational number = −5/2
Reciprocal of the other number = x
Formula Used:
Product = Number1 × Number2
Reciprocal of a/b = b/a
Calculations:
⇒ Let the other number be y.
⇒ (−5/2) × y = −40/3
⇒ y = (−40/3) ÷ (−5/2)
⇒ y = (−40/3) × (−2/5)
⇒ y = 80/15 = 16/3
⇒ Since x is the reciprocal of y, x = 1 ÷ (16/3) = 3/16
⇒ Now, substitute x in (8x + 2 1/4):
⇒ 2 1/4 = (2 × 4 + 1) / 4 = 9/4
⇒ Value = 8 × (3/16) + 9/4
⇒ Value = 3/2 + 9/4
⇒ Value = 1.5 + 2.25 = 3.75
⇒ 3.75 = 15/4 = 3 3/4
∴ The correct answer is 3 3/4.
Additional Information
Reciprocal Property
For any non-zero rational number a/b, its reciprocal is b/a such that (a/b) × (b/a) = 1.
Mixed Fraction Conversion
To convert a mixed fraction A b/c to an improper fraction, use the formula (A × c + b) ÷ c.
Rational Multiplication and Division
Division of fractions is equivalent to multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second: (a/b) ÷ (c/d) = (a/b) × (d/c).