Discover the process of solving proportions with this math worksheet. The page starts with a detailed example showing cross-products and inverse operations to isolate a variable within two equivalent ratios. Students can then reinforce their understanding by tackling six additional practice problems, each featuring variables in the numerator or denominator of a ratio equated to ratios with two- and three-digit numbers. The worksheet also includes two engaging word problems involving pizza that integrate proportion equations, emphasizing the importance of this skill in real-world reasoning.
To solve a proportion using cross products and inverse operations, you apply the cross-multiplication method, which involves multiplying the numerator of each fraction by the denominator of the other fraction. For the given proportion (7/12) = (x/48), you perform the cross multiplication: (7)(48) = (12)(x). This results in the equation 336 = 12x. To solve for x, use the inverse operation of multiplication, which is division, to isolate x. Divide both sides of the equation by 12, giving you x = 336 / 12. Simplifying that division gives you x = 28.