Proportions

A proportion is a comparison of two equal ratios.

In other words, it is an equation in the form

This is read a is to b as c is to d.

These can be solved by taking cross products (also known using the means-extremes property).

Example:

Solve the proportion: .

Take the cross product and solve the resulting equation.

9x = 6 · 3

9x = 18

  x = 2