Solving proportions

Solving proportions
Description
Exercise Name:	Solving proportions
Math Missions:	7th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, Algebra basics Math Mission, Geometry Math Mission, Mathematics I Math Mission
Types of Problems:	1

The topic Solving proportions appears under the 7th grade (U.S.) Math Mission, Algebra basics Math Mission, Geometry Math Mission and Mathematics I Math Mission. This exercise solves proportions with small numbers.

Types of Problems

There is one type of problem in this exercise:

1. Solve the proportion: This problem presents a proportion with a single unknown. The user is asked to solve the problem and type the answer in the space provided.

   

   Solve the proportion

Strategies

The multiplication and division properties of equality can help to do this problem, as does the concept of cross multiplication.

1. A proportion is a mathematical statement that has two ratios set equal to each other.
2. Cross-multiplication is the rule that ${\frac{a}{b}=\frac{c}{d}}$ is equivalent to ${ad=bc}$.
3. Some problems can be seen as having a convenient multiplier on either the numerators or denominators, which can be extended to the other side.
4. Some problems will involve fractions, but the fractions do not need to be reduced. Speed can be increased by not reducing fractions unless it is truly obvious.

Real-life Applications

1. Businesses can use proportions to figure out how much money they will earn if they sell more products.
2. Knowledge of algebra is essential for higher math levels like trigonometry and calculus. Algebra also has countless applications in the real world.