How to Solve Proportions With 2 Variables

A proportion is the name given to two ratios or fractions that are equal. Proportions can be written two ways: b/c=d/e or b:c=d:e. Proportions are solved by cross multiplying.

Instructions

How to Solve Proportions With Two Variables

1. Multiply the numerator on the left side by the denominator on the right side.For example: in 16/x=x/1, we would multiply 16 (the numerator on the left side) by 1 (the denominator on the right side).

2. Write the product from step one. Continuing with the same example, we would write 16 ( the product from step one).

3. Write an equal sign after the product from step one. Continuing with our example, we would already have 16. We would then add an equal sign: 16=.

4. Multiply the denominator on the left side by the numerator on right side. Continuing with the same example, 16/x=x/1, we would multiply x (the denominator on the left side) by x (the numerator on the right side).

5. Write the product from step four on the right side (x-2) of the equal sign. Remember that we had 16= from step three. Now we will add the product from step four on the right side of this: 16=x-2.

6. Put a square root on both sides of the answer in step six: the square root of x-2=the square root of 16.

7. Do the math: Since the square root of x-2=x and the square root of 16=4, we have x=4.