Final answer:
The solution to the proportion 144/a = 9/4a is found by cross-multiplication and simplification, resulting in the value of a being 64.
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve the proportion
, you can use the cross-multiplication method. Cross-multiplication involves multiplying the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction and vice versa.
![\[ 144 * 4 = 9 * a \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2022/formulas/mathematics/college/h6q6zco36tx1n18wptlcfz172g8f2sf8nz.png)
Simplifying both sides:
![\[ 576 = 9a \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2022/formulas/mathematics/college/zcpffpqqtkfgg11fc9xvitdhpvjbpc0abr.png)
Now, isolate
by dividing both sides by 9:
![\[ a = (576)/(9) \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2022/formulas/mathematics/college/9z57hek1232wlfrmexq3yaqgzxhgxan1nx.png)
![\[ a = 64 \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2022/formulas/mathematics/college/zxxp5p3c7ojqzoolb4qzsnt3f1jm8vcvcr.png)
Therefore, the solution to the proportion is
. This means that
has a value of 64 that satisfies the given proportion. Cross-multiplication is a useful method for solving proportions, providing a straightforward way to find the unknown variable.