Chapter 2.7, Problem 33P

Open-Ended Give one example of a proportion. Describe the means and the extremes of the proportion. Explain how you know it is a proportion. Give one non-example of a proportion. Explain how you know it is not a proportion.

To determine

To explain proportionality and non-proportionality.

Explanation of Solution

Proportion:

When two ratios are equal, it is proportional.

For example,

  $\frac{1}{3}=\frac{7}{21}$

Here, simplifying $\frac{7}{21}$ we get $\frac{1}{3}$ . They are almost just multiples.

Therefore, we say that these fractions are proportional.

Non-proportion:

When the ratios are not equal, it is non-proportional.

For example,

  $\frac{1}{3}=\frac{2}{3}$

Here, both the expressions are in a simplified form but they are not equal.

Therefore, we say that these fractions are non-proportional.