How To: Solve a word problem that involves proportions

Solve a word problem that involves proportions

In this Education video tutorial you will learn how to solve a word problem that involves proportions. To solve such problems you got to express the scenario in proportions. For example, in the problem, 'Jacob ran 10 miles in 80 minutes'; this rate can be expressed as 10miles/ 80 minutes. The second part of the problem is to find out 'at that rate how far would he run in 2.5 hours'? 'How far' being a variable, write it as 'x' and this can be expressed as x/ 2.5 hours. So, the complete equation now becomes 10miles/ 80 minutes = x/ 2.5 hours. Now converting 2.5 hours to minutes, you get 150minutes. So, the equation now becomes 10miles/ 80 minutes = x/ 150 minutes. Now doing cross multiplication we get 1500 = 80x, or x = 1500/80 = 18.75. Hence, the answer is at that rate Jacob will run 18.75 miles in 2.5 hours. This is how you solve word problems with proportions.

Just updated your iPhone to iOS 18? You'll find a ton of hot new features for some of your most-used Apple apps. Dive in and see for yourself:

Be the First to Comment

Share Your Thoughts

  • Hot
  • Latest