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?

Solve the proportion StartFraction one-fourth over 3 EndFraction = StartFraction p over 9 EndFraction to answer the question. Explain your steps.

Answer 1

3/4 teaspoon of pepper is needed for 9 potatoes

Explanation:

Set up a proportion. 1/4 teaspoon to 3 potatoes is equal to ? to 9 potatoes

x= amount of pepper for 9 potatoes

(1/4)/3= x/9 cross multiply

(3 * x)= (1/4 * 9)

3x= 9/4

multiply both sides by 4

12x= 9

divide both sides by 12

x= 9/12

simplify by 3

x= 3/4 teaspoon

Answer 2

3/4 teaspoon of pepper is needed for 9 potatoes

Explanation:

Set up a proportion. 1/4 teaspoon to 3 potatoes is equal to ? to 9 potatoes

x= amount of pepper for 9 potatoes

(1/4)/3= x/9 cross multiply

(3 * x)= (1/4 * 9)

3x= 9/4

multiply both sides by 4

12x= 9

divide both sides by 12

x= 9/12

simplify by 3

x= 3/4 teaspoon