Question

If `a/(b + c) = b/(c + a) = c/(a + b)`, then each ratio is equal to ______.

Options

• `1/2`

• –1

• either `1/2` or –1

• neither `1/2` nor –1

Answer 1

If `a/(b + c) = b/(c + a) = c/(a + b)`, then each ratio is equal to `underlinebb(either 1/2 or –1)`.

Explanation:

Adding the equal ratios gives their common value as `1/2` when a + b + c ≠ 0. If a + b + c = 0, each denominator is the negative of its numerator, so the common value is –1.