Explain how to use cross-products to determine if the ratios 28 to 35 and 20 to 25 are proportional. Then carry out the procedure, showing all your work.

1 answer

To determine if the ratios \( \frac{28}{35} \) and \( \frac{20}{25} \) are proportional, we can use the cross-products method. This method states that two ratios \( \frac{a}{b} \) and \( \frac{c}{d} \) are proportional if and only if the cross-products are equal, i.e., \( a \times d = b \times c \).

Step 1: Set up the ratios

First, identify the values from the ratios:

  • For \( \frac{28}{35} \):

    • \( a = 28 \)
    • \( b = 35 \)
  • For \( \frac{20}{25} \):

    • \( c = 20 \)
    • \( d = 25 \)

Step 2: Calculate the cross-products

Now, we will calculate the cross-products:

  1. Calculate \( a \times d \): \[ a \times d = 28 \times 25 \]

    To calculate \( 28 \times 25 \): \[ 28 \times 25 = 700 \]

  2. Calculate \( b \times c \): \[ b \times c = 35 \times 20 \]

    To calculate \( 35 \times 20 \): \[ 35 \times 20 = 700 \]

Step 3: Compare the cross-products

Since both cross-products are equal, we compare: \[ 28 \times 25 = 700 \quad \text{and} \quad 35 \times 20 = 700 \]

Conclusion

Since \( 28 \times 25 = 35 \times 20 \), the ratios \( \frac{28}{35} \) and \( \frac{20}{25} \) are proportional.

Thus, we conclude that the ratios \( 28:35 \) and \( 20:25 \) represent the same proportional relationship.