Solve Your Proportion
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Solution
Step-by-Step Solution
What is a Proportion?
A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios are equal. It shows the relationship between two equivalent fractions.
For example: A/B = C/D means that A is to B as C is to D.
Cross Multiplication Method
Cross multiplication is a simple method to solve proportions. When you have:
A/B = C/X
You can cross multiply to get:
A × X = B × C
Then solve for X by dividing both sides by A:
X = (B × C) / A
Real-World Examples
Proportions are used in everyday situations:
- Cooking: Adjusting recipe ingredients for more or fewer servings
- Maps: Calculating actual distances from map measurements
- Finance: Determining interest rates and currency conversions
- Construction: Scaling blueprints to actual building dimensions
Example: If 3 apples cost $1.50, how much would 7 apples cost?
Set up the proportion: 3/1.50 = 7/X
Cross multiply: 3 × X = 1.50 × 7
Solve: X = (1.50 × 7) / 3 = $3.50