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This Simple Proportions Game is a great way to put your skills to the test in a fun environment. By practicing, you’ll start to work out the answers efficiently.
Simple Proportions Game
A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios (or fractions) are equal.
\( \frac{A}{B} = \frac{C}{D} \)
When you solve a proportion, you are finding the missing part (A, B, C, or D) that makes the two ratios equivalent.
In this game, one of the denominator (or numerator) is a multiple of the other. This means that it is possible to use equivalent fractions as a short cut to find the missing value. Check out this other Proportional Game where the solutions may be decimals.
Scroll down the page for a more detailed explanation.
Find the value of x.
Score: 0 / 0
Time: 60
Find the value of x:
How to Play the Simple Proportions Game
The game will show you a proportion in the form:
\( \frac{A}{B} = \frac{C}{D} \)
You need to find the missing part (A, B, C, or D) that makes the two ratios (or fractions) equivalent.
In this game, one of the denominator (or numerator) is a multiple of the other. This means that it is possible to use equivalent fractions as a short cut to find the missing value.
Here’s how to play:
How to solve Proportions
Method 1: Equivalent Fractions (The Shortcut)
This method is the fastest way to solve proportions, but it only works easily when one denominator (or numerator) is a multiple of the other. You ask yourself: “What did I multiply or divide by to get from one fraction to the other?"
Example: \( \frac{5}{7} = \frac{35}{x} \)
Step 1: Find the Scale Factor
Look at the numbers you know (the numerators, 5 and 35) and determine the relationship between them.
To get from 5 to 35, you multiply by 7 (5×7=35).
Step 2: Apply the Scale Factor
To keep the fractions equivalent, you must multiply the other pair of terms (the denominators) by the exact same scale factor.
\( \frac{5x7}{7x7} = \frac{35}{x} \)
Step 3: Calculate the Missing Value
7×7=49
x=49
Method 2: Cross-Multiplication (The Universal Method)
Cross-multiplication works for any proportion, regardless of the numbers involved. It turns the proportion into a simple linear equation.
The Rule
The cross-products of any proportion must be equal.
if \( \frac{A}{B} = \frac{C}{D} \) then AD = BC
Example: \( \frac{7}{19} = \frac{13}{x} \)
Step 1: Cross-Multiply
Multiply the diagonal terms and set them equal to each other.
7x = 13×19
Step 2: Isolate the Variable (x)
x = (13×19) ÷ 7 = 35.3 (correct to 1 decimal place)
The video gives a clear, step-by-step approach to solving proportions.
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