Grade 8 · Number · Proportional Reasoning
Compare Proportional Situations
Equivalent ratios describe the same multiplicative relationship. Tables, graphs, equations, and scale factors reveal that relationship in different ways.
The big idea
A proportion preserves one multiplicative relationship
If 6 items cost $9, the unit rate is $1.50 per item. Scaling both quantities by the same factor creates an equivalent situation.
Work it through
Find the cost of 14 items at 6 for $9
- 1. Find the unit rate: 9 ÷ 6 = 1.5 dollars per item.
- 2. Multiply by the requested quantity: 14 × 1.5 = 21.
- 3. The cost is $21.
- 4. Verify that 21/14 = 9/6 = 1.5.