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

Option 1: 56=15/18
5
6
=
15
18


Option 2: 56=20/18

1 answer

A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios are equal.

To evaluate the options given:

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

    • First, simplify \( \frac{15}{18} \):
      • Both numerator and denominator can be divided by 3:
        • \( \frac{15 \div 3}{18 \div 3} = \frac{5}{6} \)
    • Therefore, \( \frac{5}{6} = \frac{15}{18} \) is true.
  • Option 2: \( \frac{5}{6} = \frac{20}{18} \)

    • Simplifying \( \frac{20}{18} \):
      • Both numerator and denominator can be divided by 2:
        • \( \frac{20 \div 2}{18 \div 2} = \frac{10}{9} \)
    • Therefore, \( \frac{5}{6} \) does not equal \( \frac{10}{9} \).

Thus, Option 1 is a proportion because it represents an equality between two equivalent ratios, while Option 2 is not a proportion as it does not hold true.