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