The Algebra Teacher\'s Guide to Reteaching Essential Concepts and Skills

Name Date

WORKSHEET 6.11: SOLVING PROPORTIONS

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Use the steps that follow to solve proportions:

1. Identify the ‘‘extremes’’ and the ‘‘means.’’


2. Write an equation stating that the product of the means is equal to the product of the
   extremes.


3. Solve the equation.

EXAMPLE

x− 3

4

=

1

5

. The extremes arex− 3 and 5. The means are 4 and 1.

5(x−3)= 1 · 4 → 5 x− 15 = 4 → 5 x= 19 →x= 3

4

5

DIRECTIONS: Solve each proportion.

1. 
   

2

5

=

3

x+ 1

2.

x− 1

7

=

1

8

3. 
   

3

x− 2

=

4

5

4.

x+ 2

4

=

2

− 3

5. −

3

2

=

2 x

x− 1

6. 
   

− 2

x− 4

=

2

x+ 4

7. 
   

10

x+ 5

=−

4

x

8.

3 x+ 1

2

=

4 x

3

CHALLENGE:Eddie solved the proportion

2

x

=

3

x+ 1

by writing the equation

2 x+ 1 = 3 x.Hesaidthatx=1. Is he correct? If he is incorrect, what was

his mistake? What is the correct solution?

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Copyright

©

2011 by Judith A. Muschla, Gary Robert Muschla, and Erin Muschla. All rights reserved.