For what value of $x$ the statement $\left( \frac{x}{15} \right) \left( \frac{x}{135} \right) = 1$ is true?
Aptitude
Simplification
Difficulty: Medium
Choose an option
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A15
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B25
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C35
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D45
Answer
Correct Answer: 45
Explanation
Concept & Logic
When multiplying fractions involving the same unknown variable, combine the numerators and denominators to form a quadratic equation, then isolate the variable.
Step-by-Step Solution
* **Given:** $\left( \frac{x}{15} \right) \left( \frac{x}{135} \right) = 1$
* **Calculation:** Multiply the fractions on the left side:
$\frac{x^2}{15 \times 135} = 1$
* Cross-multiply to isolate $x^2$:
$x^2 = 15 \times 135$
* To avoid large multiplication, factor $135$ into smaller, manageable pieces to easily find the square root:
$x^2 = 15 \times (15 \times 9)$
$x^2 = 15^2 \times 3^2$
* Take the square root of both sides:
$x = 15 \times 3$
* $x = 45$
Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Instead of multiplying $15 \times 135$ to get $2025$ and then struggling to find its square root, break $135$ down immediately into $15 \times 9$. Taking the square root of $(15 \times 15 \times 9)$ visually reduces straight to $15 \times 3 = 45$.
Common Pitfall
Multiplying the denominators completely ($15 \times 135 = 2025$) and then spending excessive time trying to extract the square root of a large number without a calculator.
Final Answer
**Therefore, the correct answer is 45.**