A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios are equal. In other words, a proportion compares two fractions or two ratios to show that they are equivalent.
Characteristics of a Proportion:
- Equal Ratios: A proportion exists when two ratios are equal or can be expressed as equal fractions.
- Cross-Multiplication: If \( \frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d} \) is a proportion, then the cross products \( a \times d \) and \( b \times c \) are equal: \( a \times d = b \times c \).
- Form: A typical proportion is written in the form \( \frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d} \).
Example of a Proportion:
An example of a proportion can be seen with the ratios of two fractions:
\[
\frac{2}{3} = \frac{4}{6}
\]
In this case, both fractions represent the same proportion because \(2 \times 6 = 12\) and \(3 \times 4 = 12\), confirming that the cross products are equal.
Another Example:
Let's take a more practical scenario:
If there are 3 apples for every 4 oranges, we can express this as a proportion:
\[
\frac{3}{4} = \frac{6}{8}
\]
This means that if there are 6 apples, there would be 8 oranges to maintain the same ratio.
Summary:
A proportion showcases the equality of two ratios or fractions, and it can be used in various applications such as solving problems involving scaling, recipes, maps, and more. If you have questions or would like to learn more about a specific aspect of proportions, feel free to ask!