What are the extremes of the following proportion?
[tex]3 / 15=12 / 60[/tex]
A) 3 and 60
B) 12 and 60
C) 15 and 12
D) 3 and 15
Answer (1)
Identify the proportion: 15 3 = 60 12 .
Recall that in a proportion b a = d c , the extremes are a and d .
Identify the extremes in the given proportion: 3 and 60.
Select the correct option: 3 and 60 .
Explanation
Identifying the Proportion We are given the proportion 15 3 = 60 12 and asked to identify the extremes. In a proportion b a = d c , the extremes are a and d .
Determining the Extremes In the given proportion 15 3 = 60 12 , we can identify a = 3 , b = 15 , c = 12 , and d = 60 . Therefore, the extremes are 3 and 60.
Selecting the Correct Option The extremes of the proportion are 3 and 60. Looking at the multiple-choice options, we see that option A) 3 and 60 matches our result.
Examples
Proportions are used in everyday life to scale recipes, convert currencies, and understand similar figures in geometry. For example, if you want to double a recipe that calls for 2 cups of flour, you can set up a proportion: 1 batch 2 cups = 2 batches x cups . Solving for x gives you the amount of flour needed for the doubled recipe. Understanding proportions helps in making accurate adjustments in various real-world scenarios.
