Question

Question 4(b)

Determine if the following ratios form a proportion. Also, write the middle terms and extreme terms where the ratios form a proportion:

39 litres : 65 litres and 6 bottles : 10 bottles

Answer 1

In a statement of proportion, the four quantities involved when taken in order are known as respective terms. First and fourth terms are known as extreme terms. Second and third terms are known as middle terms.

First ratio: 39 litres : 65 litres =$\frac{39}{65}=\frac{3}{5}=3:5$

Second ratio: 6 bottles : 10 bottles = $\frac{6}{10}=\frac{3}{5}=3:5$

The ratios are equal, therefore these are in proportion

i.e. 39 litres : 65 litres:: 6 bottles : 10 bottles

Middle terms = 65 litres, 6 bottles

Extreme terms = 39 litres, 10 bottles