Basic Mathematics for College Students

Success Tip In Example 11, an alternate approach would be to write each

term of the proportion in its equivalent decimal form and then solve for f.

Fractions and mixed numbers Decimals

1.5

2.25



0.5

f



1

1

2

2

1

4



1

2

f

438 Chapter 5 Ratio, Proportion, and Measurement

To simplify the left side, remove the common factor

of in the numerator and denominator. Perform the division

on the right side indicated by the complex fraction bar.

Multiply the numerator of the complex fraction by the

reciprocal of , which is.

To simplify the fraction, factor 9 and then remove the common

factors 2 and 3 in the numerator and denominator.

State The baker should use cups of flour.

CheckThe rate of cups of sugar for every cups of flour is about 1 to 2. The

rate of cup of sugar to cup flour is also about 1 to 2. The result, , seems

reasonable.

3

4

3

4

1

2

(^112214)
(^34)
Multiply the remaining factors in the numerator.
f Multiply the remaining factors in the denominator.

3

4

f

3

1

 3  1  2

1

4  2

1

 3

1

Multiply the numerators.

f Multiply the denominators.

9  1  2

4  2  3

2

3

3

2

3

f^92

4



1

2



2

3

1. a. b. 2. a.trueb.false 3.true 4. a.trueb.true

5.yes 6. 24 7.7.6 8. 3 21 9.$187.50 10.675 ft 11. (^18 34)
300 children
500 adults
3 children
5 adults
16
28 
4
7
ANSWERS TO SELF CHECKS
Fill in the blanks.

1. A is a statement that two ratios (or rates)
   are equal.


2. In , the terms 1 and 10 are called the
   of the proportion and the terms 2 and 5 are called the
   of the proportion.


3. The products for the proportion are
   and.


4. When two pairs of numbers form a proportion, we
   say that the numbers are.

4 x 7  36

4

7 

36

x

1

2 

5

10

VOCABULARY 5. A letter that is used to represent an unknown number

is called a.

6. When we find the value ofxthat makes the
   proportion true, we say that we have
   the proportion.


7. We solve proportions by writing a series of steps that
   result in an equation of the form x= a number or a
   number = x. We say that the variable xis on
   one side of the equation.


8. A is a ratio (or rate) that compares the size of
   a model, drawing, or map to the size of an actual
   object.

3

8 

x

16

SECTION 5.2 STUDY SET