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 for word problems?

Back

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

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What is the formula to find the length of a drawing if the actual dimensions are known?

Back

Use the ratio of the drawing dimensions to the actual dimensions.

Front

If a model car is 3 inches wide and the actual car is 4 feet wide, how do you find the height of the actual car?

Back

Set up a proportion using the widths and the heights: 3/2 = 48/h, then solve for h.

Front

How do you calculate the cost per pound of an item?

Back

Divide the total cost by the total weight.

Front

If Will spent $3.75 for 3 pounds of granola, how much granola can he buy for $10?

Back

Calculate the cost per pound: $3.75/3 = $1.25 per pound. Then $10/$1.25 = 8 pounds.

Front

What is a real-world example of using proportions?

Back

Determining how many computers are in a neighborhood based on the proportion of homes with computers.

Front

How do you find the expected number of items based on a proportion?

Back

Multiply the total number of items by the proportion (e.g., 60 homes * 13/20).

Front

What is the relationship between similar figures and proportions?

Back

Similar figures have corresponding sides that are in proportion to each other.