Solve -a/-b=a/b

$$\frac { - a } { - b } = \frac { a } { b }$$

Solve for a (complex solution)

$$a\in \mathrm{C}$$

$$b\neq 0$$

Solution Steps

Multiply both sides of the equation by b.

$$-\left(-a\right)=a$$

Multiply -1 and -1 to get 1.

$$a=a$$

Subtract a from both sides.

$$a-a=0$$

Combine a and -a to get 0.

$$0=0$$

Compare 0 and 0.

$$\text{true}$$

This is true for any a.

$$a\in \mathrm{C}$$

Solve for a

$$a\in \mathrm{R}$$

$$b\neq 0$$

Solution Steps

Multiply both sides of the equation by b.

$$-\left(-a\right)=a$$

Multiply -1 and -1 to get 1.

$$a=a$$

Subtract a from both sides.

$$a-a=0$$

Combine a and -a to get 0.

$$0=0$$

Compare 0 and 0.

$$\text{true}$$

This is true for any a.

$$a\in \mathrm{R}$$

Solve for b

$$b\neq 0$$

Solution Steps

Variable b cannot be equal to 0 since division by zero is not defined. Multiply both sides of the equation by b.

$$-\left(-a\right)=a$$

Multiply -1 and -1 to get 1.

$$a=a$$

Reorder the terms.

$$\text{true}$$

This is true for any b.

$$b\in \mathrm{R}$$

Variable b cannot be equal to 0.

$$b\in \mathrm{R}\setminus 0$$