Question

finding a missing value using a proportion
consider the reduction of the rectangle.
write a proportion and then solve to find the missing
measure of the reduced rectangle.
what two ratios can be used in the proportion?
what is the value of the missing measure?

Explanation:

Step1: Set up the proportion

Since the rectangles are similar, the ratios of their corresponding sides are equal. The ratios are \(\frac{3}{8}\) (widths) and \(\frac{x}{18}\) (lengths).

Step2: Solve the proportion

Cross - multiply the proportion \(\frac{3}{8}=\frac{x}{18}\). We get \(8x = 3\times18\). Then \(8x=54\), and \(x=\frac{54}{8}=\frac{27}{4} = 6.75\).

Answer:

The two ratios are \(\frac{3}{8}\) and \(\frac{x}{18}\). The value of \(x\) is \(6.75\) inches.