Example of Proportion Problem

If the male to female ratio in a certain factory is 8/3, and there are 45 women in the factory, how many men are there?

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Find MALE

Let M=MALE

Let F=FEMALE

Given M/F=8/3

Given F=45

3M=8F Comment: Expand parentheses

3M=360

3M=360 Comment: Substitute 45 for F in 3M=8F

Solution M=120 Comment

F=45 Comment: Substitute 120 for M in F=45

End