Proportion Word Problems

Front

What is a proportion?

Back

A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios are equal. It can be expressed as a/b = c/d, where a, b, c, and d are numbers.

Front

How do you solve a proportion?

Back

To solve a proportion, cross-multiply the two ratios and set the products equal to each other. For example, if a/b = c/d, then ad = bc.

Front

What is the unit rate?

Back

The unit rate is a comparison of two different quantities when they are combined together. It is often expressed as a quantity per one unit of another quantity.

Front

How do you find the unit price?

Back

To find the unit price, divide the total price by the number of units. For example, if a 12-pack of soda costs $7.78, the unit price is $7.78/12.

Front

What is the formula for finding distance, rate, and time?

Back

The formula is Distance = Rate × Time. This can be rearranged to find rate (Rate = Distance/Time) or time (Time = Distance/Rate).

Front

If 3 books cost $26.95, how do you find the cost of 1 book?

Back

To find the cost of 1 book, divide the total cost by the number of books: $26.95 / 3 = $8.98.

Front

If a 6-inch candle burns down in 3 hours, how do you find the burn rate?

Back

The burn rate is the length of the candle divided by the time it takes to burn. For a 6-inch candle in 3 hours, the burn rate is 6 inches / 3 hours = 2 inches per hour.

Front

How do you compare prices to determine the better buy?

Back

To compare prices, calculate the unit price for each option and choose the one with the lower unit price.

Front

What is the relationship between distance and time in a constant speed scenario?

Back

In a constant speed scenario, distance is directly proportional to time. If speed is constant, doubling the time will double the distance.

Front

How do you set up a proportion for a word problem?

Back

Identify the two ratios in the problem, set them equal to each other, and solve for the unknown.