A table is considered proportional when there is a consistent relationship between the values in one column and the corresponding values in another column. In other words, if we were to create a ratio using the values from the two columns, the ratio would remain constant throughout the table.
Here are some ways to identify that a table is proportional:
1. Consistent ratio: When you divide the values in one column by the values in the other column, the resulting ratio remains the same for every row in the table. For example, if you divide the second column values by the first column values, and the ratio is always 2, then the table is proportional.
2. Multiplying and dividing: If you notice that you can multiply or divide the values in one column by a constant to obtain the values in the other column, then the table is proportional. For example, if the second column values are always twice the first column values, or if the second column values are always half of the first column values, then the table is proportional.
3. Graphically aligned: When you plot the values from the table on a graph, if they fall on a straight line passing through the origin (0,0), then the table is proportional. This means that the points will be evenly distributed and aligned in a linear manner.
4. Common ratio word problem: If the table represents a real-life scenario and the problem states that the quantities are in direct proportion to each other, then the table is proportional. For example, if the table represents distance and time traveled at a constant speed, or cost per unit quantity, then it is proportional.
To be certain that a table is proportional, it is often helpful to test and verify the consistency of the ratio or the multiplicative relationship for a few rows in the table.
Describe how you know that a table is proportional.
1 answer
1 answer