Proportion Word Problems

Front

What is a proportion?

Back

A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios are equal.

Front

How do you set up a proportion to solve a word problem?

Back

Identify the two quantities that are being compared, set up a ratio for each, and then set the ratios equal to each other.

Front

If 4 apples cost $2, how much do 10 apples cost?

Back

$5 (Set up the proportion: 4/2 = 10/x, solve for x).

Front

What is the cross-multiplication method in proportions?

Back

Cross-multiplication involves multiplying the numerator of one ratio by the denominator of the other ratio to find an unknown.

Front

If a car travels 60 miles in 1 hour, how far will it travel in 3 hours?

Back

180 miles (60 miles/hour * 3 hours).

Front

What is the unit rate?

Back

The unit rate is a comparison of any two units where one of the terms is 1.

Front

How do you find the unit rate from a word problem?

Back

Divide the first quantity by the second quantity to find the rate per one unit.

Front

If 5 kg of apples cost $10, what is the cost per kg?

Back

$2 per kg (10/5 = 2).

Front

What is a direct variation?

Back

A direct variation is a relationship between two variables where one variable is a constant multiple of the other.

Front

If y varies directly with x, and y = 12 when x = 3, what is the constant of variation?

Back

4 (y = kx, so k = y/x = 12/3 = 4).