it is estimated that at the turn of the 20th century, one farmer in the U.S could feed 25 people, whereas today, the ratio is about 1 to 130. How many farmers would it take today to feed 2600 people?

Please help i don't even know how to do this problem!

4 answers

One way to do this is is by using a proportion. Cross multiply and solve for x.

1/130 = x/2600

130x = 2600

x = 2600 / 130

x = 20
This is just a proportion problem.
2600 people x (1 farmer/130 people) = ? farmers. See how the units cancel. people cancels people; you have converted people to farmers.
Thank you DrBob222 and Ms. Sue!!!!
You're very welcome, Tina.