- Multiply both sides by \(-1\) to obtain \(\frac{2}{u} = \frac{24}{25}\).
- Cross-multiply to reach the equation \(50 = 24u\).
- Divide by 24 to isolate \(u\), giving \(u = \frac{50}{24}\).
- Simplify the fraction to arrive at the final answer: \(\boxed{\frac{25}{12}}\).
Explanation
- Analysis of the Equation
We are given the rational equation:
\[-\frac{2}{u} = -\frac{24}{25}\]
The variable \(u\) is in the denominator, so it must satisfy the condition \(u
eq 0\). Our goal is to solve for \(u\).
- Simplifying and Isolating \(u\)
First, we can eliminate the negative sign on both sides by multiplying the entire equation by \(-1\):
\[\frac{2}{u} = \frac{24}{25}\]
To isolate \(u\), we can cross-multiply, which means multiplying the numerator of one side by the denominator of the other side and setting them equal:
\[2 \times 25 = 24 \times u\]
\[50 = 24u\]
- Final Calculation and Simplification
Now, divide both sides by 24 to solve for \(u\):
\[u = \frac{50}{24}\]
Finally, simplify the fraction by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2:
\[u = \frac{50 \div 2}{24 \div 2} = \frac{25}{12}\]
Thus, the value of \(u\) is \(\frac{25}{12}\).
Examples
Imagine you are scaling a recipe where the ratio of ingredients is fixed. If the ratio of sugar to flour is represented by \(\frac{2}{u} = \frac{24}{25}\), you can use this algebraic method to determine the exact amount of sugar needed for a given amount of flour. Solving equations like these ensures that proportions are maintained accurately in real-world applications such as cooking, construction, or financial planning.