$\frac{3}{4}\left(1 + \frac{1}{3}\right)\left(1 + \frac{2}{3}\right)\left(1 - \frac{2}{5}\right)\left(1 + \frac{6}{7}\right)\left(1 - \frac{12}{13}\right) = x$
Aptitude
Simplification
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
A$\frac{1}{5}$
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B$\frac{1}{6}$
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C$\frac{1}{7}$
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DNone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: $\frac{1}{7}$
Explanation
### Concept & Formula
To solve an expression involving a chain product of fractions, first evaluate the expression inside each set of parentheses, then write out the continuous product and cancel common factors across numerators and denominators.
### Step-by-Step Solution
Simplify every individual bracketed term first:
$$1 + \frac{1}{3} = \frac{4}{3}$$
$$1 + \frac{2}{3} = \frac{5}{3}$$
$$1 - \frac{2}{5} = \frac{3}{5}$$
$$1 + \frac{6}{7} = \frac{13}{7}$$
$$1 - \frac{12}{13} = \frac{1}{13}$$
Now, substitute these values back into the primary expression:
$$\frac{3}{4} \times \frac{4}{3} \times \frac{5}{3} \times \frac{3}{5} \times \frac{13}{7} \times \frac{1}{13}$$
Group and cancel terms sequentially:
* $\frac{3}{4} \times \frac{4}{3} = 1$
* $\frac{5}{3} \times \frac{3}{5} = 1$
* $\frac{13}{7} \times \frac{1}{13} = \frac{1}{7}$
Combining all of these results gives:
$$1 \times 1 \times \frac{1}{7} = \frac{1}{7}$$
### Exam Strategy & Shortcut
Scan the entire expression for reciprocal pairs. We can clearly see that $\frac{3}{4}$ and $\left(1+\frac{1}{3}\right) = \frac{4}{3}$ are reciprocals, so they cancel out completely. Similarly, $\left(1+\frac{2}{3}\right) = \frac{5}{3}$ and $\left(1-\frac{2}{5}\right) = \frac{3}{5}$ are reciprocals and cancel out. We are immediately left with just the final two components: $\frac{13}{7} \times \frac{1}{13} = \frac{1}{7}$.
### Common Pitfall
Avoid trying to find a common denominator for the whole expression or performing cross-multiplication too early. Simplify each component cleanly first to let the cancellations happen naturally.
### Final Answer
**Therefore, the correct answer is 1/7.**