Eighteen oranges are packaged in 3 containers. How many oranges are packaged in 7 containers? Write and solve a proportion to determine your answer. Proportion: Steps: Solution:

If 3 containers hold 18 oranges, then we can set up a proportion to find out how many oranges are in 7 containers. The proportion can be written as: 3 containers / 18 oranges = 7 containers / x oranges To solve for x, cross-multiply: 3x = 18 * 7 3x = 126 x = 126 / 3 x = 42 So, there are 42 oranges packaged in 7 containers. Now, let’s take a step back and appreciate how proportional reasoning is applied in real life. For instance, if you're organizing a fruit stand and want to sell in bulk, knowing how to scale your stock based on container size will help you maintain inventory without wasting produce or losing out on sales. When it comes to these types of problems, it's easy to rush through your calculations and make mistakes. Double-checking the numbers is crucial—one small misstep in multiplication can lead to a completely incorrect answer. Set your work up clearly, and keep your numbers organized to avoid any “orange-ally” silly errors!