Proportion
Definition

A proportion is a statement of equality between two ratios.


Examples

2:3:8 = 4:6:16


Example: Proportion written as a fraction

More Examples

Proportions are used to solve problems involving ratios.


Problem: Since 100 cm is equivalent to 1 m, how many metres are equivalent to 57.3 cm?


Proportion problem example

Notice that whether centimetres or metres is in the numerator of each ratio of the proportion, the result is the same (0.573 m are equivalent to 57.3 cm).


Notice that whether the unknown is in the numerator or the denominator of a ratio of the proportion, the result is the same (0.573 m are equivalent to 57.3 cm).