If a = 1 and (a - b)/c = 1 which of the following is NOT a possible value of b?

A. -2
B. -1
C. 0
D. 1
E. 2

b = (1-c)

If b=1, then C=0, which will not satisfy (a-b)/c = 1. ( divisibility by 0 is not possible.)

therefore b=1 is not possible.

Hi.
Can anyone let me know what is wrong in my approach -

(a-b)/c = 1

a-b = c(by cross multiplying)
Now as a= 1
1-b = c
implies, 1-c=b
Now c can take any value, and b can have any of the values provided in the answer choices. Please let me know where I am going wrong. Why it is not possible to cross multiply in the first instance. this is how I approached in my exam.

Thanks

If a = 1, we have:

(1 - b)/c = 1

1 - b = c

We must also remember that since (1 - b)/c = 1, and since dividing by zero creates an undefined result, c cannot be zero.

Let’s test the answer choices:

A) -2

Since c = 1 - (-2) = 3, b could be -2.

B) -1

Since c = 1 - (-1) = 2, b could be -1.

C) 0

Since c = 1 - 0 = 1, b could be 0.

D) 1

Since c = 1 - 1 = 0, b cannot be 1.

Alternate Solution:

If a = 1, we have:

(1 - b)/c = 1

1 - b = c

The original equation had c in the denominator, so we know that c cannot equal 0. The value of b that makes c = 0 is b = 1. Thus, b cannot equal 1.

Answer: D
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