If abc 0 and the sum of the reciprocals of a, b, and c equals the reciprocal of the product of a, b, and c, then a =

[BTGmoderatorDC]

If abc ≠ 0 and the sum of the reciprocals of a, b, and c equals the reciprocal of the product of a, b, and c, then a =

A. (1 + bc)/(b + c)
B. (1 – bc)/(b + c)
C. (1 + b + c)/(bc)
D. (1 – b – c)/(bc)
E. (1 – b – c)/(b + c)



OA B

Source: Manhattan Prep

[Scott@TargetTestPrep]

If abc ≠ 0 and the sum of the reciprocals of a, b, and c equals the reciprocal of the product of a, b, and c, then a =

A. (1 + bc)/(b + c)
B. (1 – bc)/(b + c)
C. (1 + b + c)/(bc)
D. (1 – b – c)/(bc)
E. (1 – b – c)/(b + c)



OA B

Solution:

We are given that 1/a + 1/b + 1/c = 1/abc and we need to solve a in terms of b and c. Multiplying the equation by abc, we have:

bc + ac + ab = 1

a(c + b) = 1 - bc

a = (1 - bc)/(b + c)

Answer: B