3
algebra

Solve for xx: x15=3\frac{x}{15} = 3

A

5

B

45

C

18

D

0.2

Correct Answer: B

Choice Choice B is the correct answer. To eliminate the fraction, we multiply both sides by the denominator.

  1. Start with the equation: x15=3\frac{x}{15} = 3
  2. Multiply both sides by 15: x=3×15x = 3 \times 15
  3. Calculate: x=45x = 45
  4. Verify: 4515=3\frac{45}{15} = 3

💡 Check Your Work: You can verify mentally: "45 divided by 15 is 3" or "15 times 3 is 45."

Choice A is incorrect because this results from adding: 15+3=1815 + 3 = 18. Addition is not the inverse of division.

Choice B is incorrect because this comes from dividing 15 by 3 instead of multiplying: 153=5\frac{15}{3} = 5. This is backwards.

Choice D is incorrect because this results from dividing 3 by 15: 315=0.2\frac{3}{15} = 0.2. This divides in the opposite direction.