Solving Proportions
2 ways to solve proportions 1. Equivalent fractions (Old) Cross Products (New)
Cross Products When you have a proportion (two equal ratios), then you have equivalent cross products. Find the cross product by multiplying the denominator of each ratio by the numerator of the other ratio.
Example: Do the ratios form a proportion? Check using cross products. 4 12, x 3 = 36 9 x 4 = 36 These two ratios DO form a proportion because their cross products are the same.
Example 2 5 8, x 2 = 16 3 x 5 = 15 No, these two ratios DO NOT form a proportion, because their cross products are different.
Solving a Proportion Using Cross Products Use the cross products to create an equation. Solve the equation for the variable using the inverse operation.
Example: Solve the Proportion = n 22 38n = 19(22) 38n = n = 11
Example: Solve the Proportion k 17 = Start with the variable. = 68k17(20) Simplify. 68k=340 Now we have an equation. To get the k by itself, divide both sides by k = 5