$Home$
$Money Math$
$Algebra Videos$
$Geometry Videos$
$Probability Videos$
$Algebra Calculators$
$Geometry Calculator$
$Best Online Degree$
$Math & Computers$
$Math Tests$
$CRCT$
$Daily Word Problems$
$Math Blog$
$Math Games$
$Lesson Plans$
$Math Video Workbook$
$Geometry Formulas$
$About Me$
$ESOL Math$
$Homework Help$
$Search This Site$
$Share This Website$

Proportion Word Problem

In this lesson we will learn how to solve a proportion word problem. Watch the video to learn how to set up a proportion, solve it, and interpret the answer.

Definition

A proportion is a statement that two ratios (or fractions) are equal. The cross products of the terms in a proportion are equal.

15/20 = 12/16 is a proportion (the two ratios are 15/20 and 9/16)

To write the cross products, multiply the numerator of the first fraction with the denominator of the second one; and then the denominator of the first fraction with the numerator of the second one.

15 x 16 = 20 x 12

240 = 240 (true)

You can use proportions to solve all types of problems. Often, one of the terms in the proportion is unknown. To solve a proportion means to find the value of the unknown term, so that when you replace the variable with that value, you get a true statement.

Click on the following picture to play a jeopardy game about proportions.

Return from the Proportion Word Problem webpage to Math Videos Online