Two rectangles are in proportion. The bigger rectangle has a base of 8 inches and height of 3 inches. If the smaller rectangle has a base of 5 inches, what is its height?

Explanation

Here’s an easy way to tackle a proportion problem. First, represent the measurements in fractions (or proportions).
The fractions can be written in the form, height/base.
Following this form for the bigger rectangle, the fraction is 3/8.
For the smaller rectangle, the fraction is h/5, where h is the unknown height.
Then set the two fractions equal to each other and solve for h.
3/8=h/5
Cross multiply to get 3x5=8h
15=8/h
And remove the 8 by dividing both sides by 8.
15/8=h
Simplify the fraction and you have
\(h=1 \frac{7}{8}\)

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