Which of the following, Option 1 or Option 2, is a proportion?

Option 1: 5/6=15/18


Option 2: 5/6=20/18


(1 point)
Option
is a proportion.

1 answer

A proportion is a statement that two ratios are equal. In this case, we need to determine which option shows equal ratios.

For Option 1: \( \frac{5}{6} = \frac{15}{18} \)

To check if these two fractions are equal, we can simplify \( \frac{15}{18} \):

  • The greatest common divisor of 15 and 18 is 3.
  • Thus, \( \frac{15}{18} = \frac{15 \div 3}{18 \div 3} = \frac{5}{6} \).

This means: \( \frac{5}{6} = \frac{15}{18} \) is true.

For Option 2: \( \frac{5}{6} = \frac{20}{18} \)

To check if these two fractions are equal, we can simplify \( \frac{20}{18} \):

  • The greatest common divisor of 20 and 18 is 2.
  • Thus, \( \frac{20}{18} = \frac{20 \div 2}{18 \div 2} = \frac{10}{9} \).

Now we compare: \( \frac{5}{6} \neq \frac{10}{9} \).

Therefore, Option 2 is not a proportion.

The correct answer is: Option 1 is a proportion.