Chapter 6: Problem 22
Find the missing term in each of the following proportions. Set up each problem like the examples in this section. Write your answers as fractions in lowest terms. $$\frac{\frac{2}{3}}{y}=\frac{\frac{1}{3}}{5}$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The missing term is \( y = 10 \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Proportion Formula
The given exercise is a proportion where the ratio \( \frac{2}{3} \) to \( y \) is equal to the ratio \( \frac{1}{3} \) to \( 5 \). The equation resembles the proportion formula: \( \frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d} \). For our problem: \( a = \frac{2}{3} \), \( b = y \), \( c = \frac{1}{3} \), and \( d = 5 \).
02
Cross-Multiply
In order to solve for \( y \), we employ cross-multiplication. Multiply the numerator of each ratio by the denominator of the other ratio. This gives: \[ \frac{2}{3} \times 5 = \frac{1}{3} \times y \].
03
Simplify the Equation
Simplify the equation obtained from cross-multiplication: \[ \frac{10}{3} = \frac{y}{3} \]. Our goal is to solve for \( y \).
04
Eliminate the Fraction
To eliminate the fraction, multiply both sides of the equation by 3: \[ 10 = y \]. This gives us the value of \( y \).
05
Write the Solution
The missing term in the proportion is \( y = 10 \). Since it is already in its simplest form, this is the final answer.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Cross-Multiplication
Cross-multiplication is a powerful technique used to solve equations that involve proportions. In simple terms, if you have a proportion like \( \frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d} \), cross-multiplication involves multiplying the numerator of one fraction by the denominator of the other. For this technique:
- Multiply \( a \) by \( d \) to get one product.
- Multiply \( b \) by \( c \) to get the other product.
- Set these two products equal to one another, resulting in the equation \( a \times d = b \times c \).
Getting Comfortable with Fractions
Fractions are everywhere in math, and being at ease with them makes solving equations and understanding proportions much simpler. A fraction represents a part of a whole and is expressed as \( \frac{numerator}{denominator} \). In dealing with fractions, keep these tips in mind:
- The numerator is the top number and represents how many parts you have.
- The denominator is the bottom number and indicates the total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.
- Fractions can be equivalent: \( \frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4} \), because they represent the same part of a whole.
- Always simplify fractions when possible by dividing the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, the fraction \( \frac{4}{8} \) simplifies to \( \frac{1}{2} \).
Solving Equations Involving Proportions
Solving equations, especially those involving proportions, requires patience and a step-by-step approach. When faced with an equation like a proportion, the goal is to isolate the variable you're solving for. This sometimes includes the process of simplifying expressions and ensuring simplification of fractions. Here's how to tackle such equations:
- Identify the proportion you are working with, just like \( \frac{\frac{2}{3}}{y} = \frac{\frac{1}{3}}{5} \).
- Apply cross-multiplication: Multiply across the equals sign \( \frac{2}{3} \times 5 \) and \( \frac{1}{3} \times y \).
- Simplify the resulting equation: You might end up with something like \( \frac{10}{3} = \frac{y}{3} \).
- Solve for the unknown: After eliminating fractions by multiplication or other means, solve for the variable. In this example, multiplying both sides by 3 gives \( y = 10 \).