Final answer:
The ratio of small to large popcorns sold at the movie theater is 5:9, meaning for every 9 large popcorns sold, there are 5 small popcorns sold. This ratio can be scaled up to find out the exact amount of small popcorns sold in relation to any number of large popcorns sold.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for the number of small popcorns sold in comparison to the large popcorns sold at a movie theater, using the ratio given. The ratio provided is 5:9, which means for every 9 large popcorns sold, there are 5 small popcorns sold.
The concept in question here deals with ratios, which is a significant part of proportional reasoning in mathematics. Ratios help us understand relationships between different quantities. In this case, the ratio of small to large popcorns sold is like a recipe that helps us calculate the quantity of one item based on the quantity of the other.
To apply the ratio to real quantities, you would simply multiply both sides of the ratio by the same number. For example, if 18 large popcorns were sold (which is 9 x 2), then there would be 10 small popcorns sold (which is 5 x 2).