Math Problem Statement

If the ratio of x to y is 3:4 and y to z is 5:6, what is the ratio of x to z?

Solution

We are given two ratios:

  1. xy=34\frac{x}{y} = \frac{3}{4}
  2. yz=56\frac{y}{z} = \frac{5}{6}

We want to find the ratio of xz\frac{x}{z}.

Step 1: Express xx in terms of yy

From the first ratio, we can write: x=34yx = \frac{3}{4}y

Step 2: Express yy in terms of zz

From the second ratio, we can write: y=56zy = \frac{5}{6}z

Step 3: Substitute yy into the equation for xx

Now, substitute y=56zy = \frac{5}{6}z into the equation x=34yx = \frac{3}{4}y: x=34×56zx = \frac{3}{4} \times \frac{5}{6}z

Step 4: Simplify the expression

Multiplying the fractions: x=3×54×6z=1524zx = \frac{3 \times 5}{4 \times 6}z = \frac{15}{24}z Simplify 1524\frac{15}{24}: x=58zx = \frac{5}{8}z

Step 5: Write the ratio of xx to zz

Thus, the ratio of xx to zz is: xz=58\frac{x}{z} = \frac{5}{8}

The ratio of xx to zz is 5:85:8.

Would you like a further breakdown of any of the steps? Here are five related questions to explore this further:

  1. How do you simplify fractions like 1524\frac{15}{24}?
  2. What if the ratio of xx to yy was different? How would that change the result?
  3. Can you apply this method to three variables with different ratios?
  4. How would you solve if given only the final ratio xz\frac{x}{z}?
  5. What does it mean when ratios are proportional across three variables?

Tip: When working with ratios, always make sure units and variables are consistent before simplifying.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Ratios
Algebra
Proportions

Formulas

x/y = 3/4
y/z = 5/6
x/z = (3/4) * (5/6) = 5/8

Theorems

Proportionality Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 6-8