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| Math Central | Quandaries & Queries |
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Question from Kenneth: Hello: I read the following in an old textbook: Display the numbers 27, 18, 26, and 39 so as to form a proportion. Which set of equal fractions is correct? 18/27 = 26/39 18/26 = 27/39 I thank you for your reply. |
Hi Kenneth,
Look at the fractions first and put each of them in lowest terms.
\[\frac{18}{27} = \frac{9 \times 2}{9 \times 3} = \frac23\]
and
\[\frac{26}{39} = \frac{2 \times 13}{3 \times 13} = \frac23 .\]
Thus the first pair of fractions are equal. Try the second pair.
Since $\large \frac{18}{27} = \frac{26}{39}$ we know that 18:27 as 26:39. What about 18:26 and 27:39?
This makes you wonder, if a:b as c:d then is a:c as b:d? Can you prove or disprove this?
Penny
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