Question: User: a divided by a
1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $\frac{a}{a}$.
2. **Recall the rule:** Any nonzero number divided by itself equals 1, i.e., $\frac{x}{x} = 1$ for $x \neq 0$.
3. **Apply the rule:** Since $a$ is divided by $a$, and assuming $a \neq 0$, we have
$$\frac{a}{a} = 1.$$
4. **Intermediate step showing cancellation:**
$$\frac{\cancel{a}}{\cancel{a}} = 1.$$
5. **Final answer:**
The simplified value of $\frac{a}{a}$ is $1$, provided $a \neq 0$.