Let’s analyze the given equation where we are told that 3x = y. In this scenario, we want to find the ratio of xy and we have the restriction that y cannot equal 0.
Knowing that y = 3x, we can express xy in terms of x:
- xy = x * y
- Substituting the value of y:
xy = x * (3x) = 3x2
Now, the ratio of xy can be expressed using the values we derived:
To find the ratio xy/y, we substitute our value of y:
xy/y = (3x2)/(3x) = x
Therefore, the ratio is simplified to x. Since we know that y cannot equal 0, then x must also be non-zero for y to remain valid.
This means the ratio is defined based on our variable x. Hence, the solution for xy in the context of this equation is x when y is expressed as 3x.
In summary, the ratio of xy when y is not equal to zero and given that 3x = y, simplifies down to x itself.