How to Find the Middle Term of a Proportion
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How to Find the Middle Term of a Proportion
To find the middle term of a proportion, first identify the four positions in the form a : b = c : d. The two middle terms are b and c, also called the means, and you can find either one by using the cross-product rule a × d = b × c. For example, if 4 : b = 8 : 12, then b = (4 × 12) ÷ 8 = 6. Understanding the first second third fourth proportional formula together makes it easier to see which term is missing and choose the correct calculation without mixing up the positions.