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19 September, 16:31

Iff a/b is a rational number, what does b have to equal in order for a/b to also be an integer

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  1. 19 September, 16:38
    0
    Answer: b must equal a.

    Or b must equal a multiple of the reciprocal of "a" if "a" is an integer.

    Or "b" is a fraction with the numerator equal to "a" or a multiple of "a." If "a" is an integer

    Step-by-step explanation:

    Integers are whole numbers. If the denominator of the fraction is equal to the numerator, the value is 1 which is an integer.

    If a is divided by its reciprocal the quotient is a whole number. For example: 3: 1/3 = 9. 4: 1/8 = 32.

    If b is a fraction that is not a multiple of the reciprocal, the quotient may be another non-intrger rational number. 3: 4/5 is 15/4 or 3 3/4.

    7: 7/8 is 56/7 which is equivalent to 8, an integer.
  2. 19 September, 16:53
    0
    You're thinking b=1 will always give an integer, certainly true.

    Then you think b=-1 will also always give an integer, so

    Answer: ±1

    Then you remember that a/b may not be a reduced fraction, so other bs beside the unit make give integers. The condition for an integer is

    b | a

    read 'b divides a' meaning a is a multiple of b.

    Then you realize that a and b might not even b integers themselves.

    Let's say the above answer is correct with the additional criteria that a and b are integers with no common factors.
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