Question

jeromes school portrait measured 8 inches by 12 inches. using the same scale, he decided to sketch a smaller version of his portrait. his sketch measured 4 inches on the shortest side. what was the length of the longest side of his sketch?
a 3 inches
b 4 inches
c 6 inches
d 8 inches

Explanation:

Step1: Set up proportion

Since the portraits are similar (same - scale), the ratios of corresponding sides are equal. Let the length of the longest side of the sketch be $x$. The ratio of the short - side to long - side of the original portrait is $\frac{8}{12}$, and for the sketch is $\frac{4}{x}$. So, $\frac{8}{12}=\frac{4}{x}$.

Step2: Cross - multiply

Cross - multiplying gives us $8x = 4\times12$.

Step3: Solve for $x$

First, calculate $4\times12 = 48$. Then, $x=\frac{48}{8}=6$.

Answer:

C. 6 inches