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 from a word problem?

Back

Identify the two quantities that are being compared and set them as a fraction equal to each other.

Front

What is the formula for finding a missing value in a proportion?

Back

If a/b = c/d, then ad = bc.

Front

If 24 out of 30 elephants are female, how do you find the total number of female elephants in a population of 70?

Back

Set up the proportion: 24/30 = x/70, then solve for x.

Front

What is the scale factor in a proportion?

Back

The scale factor is the ratio of any two corresponding lengths in two similar geometric figures.

Front

How do you find the new dimensions of an object when enlarging it?

Back

Use the scale factor to multiply the original dimensions.

Front

If a 12-ounce bottle lasts 16 weeks, how do you find how long an 18-ounce bottle will last?

Back

Set up the proportion: 12/16 = 18/x, then solve for x.

Front

What is a direct variation?

Back

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

Front

How do you determine the expected number of items based on a ratio?

Back

Use the ratio to set up a proportion with the total number of items.

Front

What is the relationship between ratios and fractions?

Back

Ratios can be expressed as fractions, and vice versa.