A proportion is a mathematical equation that states that two ratios are equal. This can be expressed in the form of a/b = c/d, where a and b are parts of one ratio, and c and d are parts of another ratio. For a statement to be considered a proportion, the cross products must be equal, meaning that a × d = b × c.
Example of a Proportion:
Consider the ratios 1/2 and 3/6. We can express this as a proportion:
1/2 = 3/6.
To check if this is a true proportion, we can cross-multiply:
1 × 6 = 6 and 2 × 3 = 6.
Since both products are equal (6 = 6), the two ratios form a proportion.