What do you do first when solving a proportion equation?

When solving a proportion equation, the first step is to cross multiply. This method involves multiplying the numerator of one side of the proportion by the denominator of the other side. Cross multiplication creates an equation that eliminates the fractions, making it easier to solve for the unknown variable.

For example, if you have the proportion ( \frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d} ), cross multiplying gives you ( a \cdot d = b \cdot c ). This step simplifies the problem and allows you to work with whole numbers instead of fractions, which can often complicate calculations.

While dividing, adding, or subtracting might be pertinent steps later in the problem-solving process, cross multiplication is the foundational operation that allows you to start effectively. It sets the stage for subsequent calculations and ensures that you maintain the equality of the proportion throughout the solving process.