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How to Make Proportions

A proportion is an algebraic equation that compares two ratios or fractions. It always consists of an unknown variable, usually denoted by an "x." When the terms of a proportion are cross-multiplied, the cross products are set equal to each other to solve for x. Proportions can be used to solve real-world problems, such as how many gallons of gas a car requires for a trip. Therefore, learning how to make and solve proportions is an essential technique for everyday calculations.

Things You'll Need

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Instructions

  1. Simple Proportions

    • 1

      Identify the given rate and write it as a fraction.

    • 2

      Write two quantities of the same unit as a fraction, one of which is the unknown quantity "x." Set the fraction equal to the given rate. Compare the ratio 4/9 to 12/x, for example.

    • 3

      Cross multiply the ratios by multiplying the numbers in the upper-left and lower-right corners together. Multiply the numbers in the lower-left and upper right corners together, as well. Set "4x" equal to "9 x 12", in this instance.

    • 4

      Solve the equation for x by dividing each side by the known variable. Divide "4x" by 4 and divide 108 (9 x 12) by 4 to obtain the value for x, which is 27.

    Complex Proportions

    • 5

      Set two proportions, composed of fractions, equal to one another. Set "4/5 over 2/7" equal to "x over 3/4" in the following case.

    • 6

      Set the cross products equal to each other as done in Step 2 of the first section. Obtain "2/7 times x" equal to "4/5 x 3/4."

    • 7

      Cancel out common factors, or numbers that appear in both the numerator and denominator on one side of the equal sign. Cancel out 4 in the sample problem.

    • 8

      Multiply both sides by the reciprocal of the fraction located next to the "x." Multiply both sides by the reciprocal of 2/7, or 7/2, to isolate the x.

    • 9

      Calculate the value of x, which is 21/10.

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