Question

The recipe for beef stew calls for 1/4 teaspoon of pepper

for every 3 potatoes. If 9 potatoes are used, how much
pepper is needed?
ģ to answer the question
Solve the proportion 3 -
Explain your steps

Answer 1

`\bf \begin{array}{ccll} \stackrel{teaspoons}{pepper}&potatoes\\ \cline{1-2} (1)/(4)&3\\ x&9 \end{array}\implies \cfrac{~~(1)/(4)~~}{x}=\cfrac{3}{9}\implies \cfrac{~~(1)/(4)~~}{(x)/(1)}=\cfrac{1}{3}\implies \cfrac{1}{4}\cdot \cfrac{1}{x}=\cfrac{1}{3} \\\\\\ \cfrac{1}{4x}=\cfrac{1}{3}\implies 3=4x\implies \cfrac{3}{4}=x`

Answer 2

Since 9 is 3 times the denominator of the first ratio, multiply the numerator of the first ratio by 3 to get the numerator of the second ratio. The amount of pepper is 3/4 teaspoon.

Explanation: