A proportion is a mathematical equation that shows two fractions are equivalent, meaning they represent the same part-to-whole relationship. In simpler terms, it compares how one part relates to the whole in two different situations.
For example, if you have 2 apples out of a total of 8 fruits, that can be expressed as the fraction \( \frac{2}{8} \). If you also have 1 apple out of a total of 4 fruits, this can be expressed as \( \frac{1}{4} \).
You can say these two fractions are proportional if they are equal:
\[ \frac{2}{8} = \frac{1}{4} \]
To check, you can simplify \( \frac{2}{8} \) to \( \frac{1}{4} \). Since both fractions represent the same ratio of apples to total fruit, they form a proportion.
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