Mastering Proportion Word Problems

This video tutorial explains how to set up and solve proportions to find missing values. It begins with an introduction to proportions and equivalent fractions, followed by examples involving selling oranges, running distances, and mowing lawns. The video demonstrates the cross multiply and divide method to solve these problems, emphasizing the importance of aligning units correctly in a proportion.

What is a proportion?

• A multiplication of two numbers

• A single fraction

• A ratio of three numbers

• Two equivalent fractions

Which of the following pairs of fractions are equivalent?

• 1/2 and 3/4

• 2/3 and 4/6

• 3/5 and 6/10

• 1/4 and 2/5

If John earns $1 for selling 4 oranges, how much will he earn for selling 8 oranges?

• $3

• $1

• $4

• $2

What is the correct setup for the proportion problem involving John and the oranges?

• 1/4 = x/8

• 1/x = 4/8

• 1/4 = 8/x

• All of the above

Why did the third setup for the orange problem not work?

• The units were not lined up correctly

• The numbers were too large

• The fractions were not equivalent

• The problem was too complex

How far can Joe run in 15 minutes if he runs 1 mile in 6 minutes?

• 1.5 miles

• 2 miles

• 2.5 miles

• 3 miles

What is the first step in solving a proportion problem using cross multiplication?

• Add the numbers

• Divide the numbers

• Subtract the numbers

• Multiply the numbers across from one another

If Christian mows 1.5 lawns with 2/3 of a tank of gas, how many lawns can he mow with 2 tanks of gas?

• 4 lawns

• 5 lawns

• 3 lawns

• 4.5 lawns

Why is it important to line up the same units across from one another in a proportion?

• To avoid large numbers

• To ensure the proportion is correct

• To make the problem easier

• To simplify the calculation

What should you do if the units in a proportion are not across from one another?

• Ignore the units

• Rearrange the proportion

• Use a different method

• Multiply the units