determine which set of ratios forms a proportion
To determine which set of ratios forms a proportion, we must check if the cross products of the ratios are equal. This means multiplying the first ratio numerator by the second ratio denominator, and then multiplying the second ratio numerator by the first ratio denominator. If the two cross products are equal, then the ratios form a proportion.
For example, if we have the ratios 2:4 and 3:6:
Cross product 1: 2 x 6 = 12
Cross product 2: 3 x 4 = 12
Since the two cross products are equal, the ratios 2:4 and 3:6 form a proportion.
On the other hand, if we have the ratios 5:10 and 7:14:
Cross product 1: 5 x 14 = 70
Cross product 2: 7 x 10 = 70
Again, since the two cross products are equal, the ratios 5:10 and 7:14 also form a proportion.