Proportions in Word Problems

The video tutorial explains how to solve word problems using proportions. It begins with an example involving a fire hydrant and a streetlight, demonstrating how to set up and solve a proportion. The second example involves a flagpole and a child's shadow, showing the calculation process using cross products. The final example calculates the height of a tree using the same method. Each example emphasizes setting up the proportion correctly and solving for the unknown variable.

What is the first step in solving word problems using proportions?

• Set up the proportion

• Solve the equation

• Define the variable

• Draw a diagram

In the fire hydrant and streetlight example, what is the height of the streetlight if its shadow is 28 feet?

• 6 feet

• 8 feet

• 10 feet

• 12 feet

What is the purpose of drawing a diagram in solving word problems with proportions?

• To check the answer

• To measure the angles

• To visualize the problem

• To simplify the equation

What is the proportion set up for the flagpole and child example?

• X/90 = 36/54

• X/54 = 36/90

• X/36 = 90/54

• X/90 = 54/36

How tall is the flagpole if its shadow is 90 inches and the child's shadow is 36 inches?

• 165 inches

• 120 inches

• 135 inches

• 150 inches

What is the unit of measurement used for the height of the flagpole?

• Inches

• Centimeters

• Meters

• Feet

In the tree and person example, what is the height of the tree if its shadow is 30 feet?

• 35 feet

• 37.5 feet

• 25 feet

• 30 feet

What is the proportion set up for the tree and person example?

• X/30 = 5/4

• X/30 = 4/5

• X/4 = 30/5

• X/5 = 4/30

What mathematical operation is used to solve the proportion in these examples?

• Addition

• Subtraction

• Multiplication

• Cross-multiplication

What is the final step in solving a proportion word problem?

• Define the variable

• Divide to isolate the variable

• Draw the diagram

• Check the units