divided by the other extreme; and that either mean is equal to the product of the extremes divided by the other

mean.

SIMPLE PROPORTION, OR RULE OF THREE.

The Rule of Three is that, by which a number is found, having to a given number the same ratio, which is between two other given numbers. For this reason it is sometimes named the Rule of Proportion.

It is called the Rule of Three, because in each of its questions there are given three numbers at least. And because of its excellent and extensive use, it is often named the Golden Rule;

RULE.*

1. Write down the number, which is of the same kind the auswer or number required.

2. Consider

* DEMONSTRATION. The following observations, taken collectively, form a demonstration of the rule, and of the reductions mentioned in the notes subsequent to it.

i. There can be comparison or ratio between two numbers, only when they are considered either abstractly, or as applied to things of the same kind, so that one can, in a proper sense, be contained in the other. Thus there can be no comparison between 2 men and 4 days; but there may be between 2 and 4, and between 2 days and 4 days, or 2 men and 4 men. Therefore, the 2 of the 3 given numbers, that are of the same kind, that is, the first and third, when they are stated according to the rule, are to be compared together, and their ratio is equal to that, required between the remaining or second number and the fourth or answer.

2. Though

2. Consider whether the answer ought to be greater or less than this number: if greater, write the greater of the two remaining numbers on the right of it for the third, and

2. Though numbers of the same kind, being either of the same or of different denominations, have a real ratio, yet this ratio is the same as that of the two numbers taken abstractly, only when they are of the same denomination. Thus the ratio of 11. to 21. is the same as that of 1 to 2 −1; 1ș. has a real ratio to 21. but it is not the ratio of 1 to 2; it is the ratio of Is. to 40s. that is, of 1 to 40. Therefore, as the first and third numbers have the ratio, that is required between the second and answer, they must, if not of the same denomination, be reduced to it; and then their ratio is that of the abstract numbers.

3. The product of the extremes of four geometrical proportionals is equal to the product of the means; hence, if the product of two numbers be equal to the product of two other numbers, the four numbers are proportionals; and if the product of two numbers be divided by a third, the quotient will be a fourth proportional to those three numbers. Now as the question is solvable into this, viz. to find a number of the same kind as the second in the statement, and having the same ratio to it, that the greater of the other two has to the less, or the less has to the greater; and as these two, being of the same denomination, may be considered as abstract numbers; it plainly follows, that the fourth number or answer is truly found by multiplying the second by one of the other two, and dividing the product by that, which remains.

4. It is very evident, that, if the answer must be greater than the second number, the greater of the other two numbers must be the multiplier, and may occupy the third place; but, if less, the less number must be the multiplier.

5. The reduction of the second number is only performed for convenience in the subsequent multiplication and division, and not to produce an abstract number. The reason of the reduction of

the

and the other on the left for the first number or term; but if less, write the less of the two remaining numbers in the third place, and the other in the first.

3. Multiply

the quotient, of the remainder after division, and of the product of the second and third terms, when it cannot be divided by the first, is obvious.

6. If the second and third numbers be multiplied together, and the product be divided by the first; it is evident, that the answer remains the same, whether the number compared with the first be in the second or third place.

Thus is the proposed demonstration completed.

There are four other methods of operation beside the general one given above, any of which, when applicable, performs the work much more concisely. They are these:

1. Divide the second term by the first, multiply the quotient by the third, and the product will be the answer.

2. Divide the third term by the first, multiply the quotient by the second, and the product will be the answer.

3. Divide the first term by the second, divide the third by the quotient, and the last quotient will be the answer.

4. Divide the first term by the third, divide the second by the quotient, and the last quotient will be the answer.

The general rule above given is equivalent to those, which are usually given in the direct and inverse rules of three, and which are here subjoined.

The RULE OF THREE DIRECT teacheth, by having three numbers given, to find a fourth, that shall have the same proportion to the third, as the second has to the first.

RULE.

1. State the question; that is, place the numbers so, that the first and third may be the terms of supposition and demand, and the second of the same kind with the answer required.

2. Bring

3. Multiply the second and third terms together, divide the product by the first, and the quotient will be the

answer.

NOTE I.

2. Bring the first and third numbers into the same denomination, and the second into the lowest name mentioned.

3. Multiply the second and third numbers together, and divide. the product by the first, and the quotient will be the answer to the question, in the same denomination you left the second number in; which may be brought into any other denomination required.

EXAMPLE.

If 24lb. of raisins cost 6s. 6d. what will 18 frails cost, each weighing net 3qrs. 18lb. ?

The rule is founded on this obvious principle, that the magnitude or quantity of any effect varies constantly in proportion to the varying part of the cause: thus, the quantity of goods bought is in proportion to the money laid out; the space gone over by an uniform motion is in proportion to the time, &c. The truth of

the

NOTE 1. It is sometimes most convenient to multiply and divide as in compound multiplication and division; and sometimes it is expedient to multiply and divide according to the rules of vulgar or decimal fractions. But when

the rule, as applied to ordinary inquiries, may be made very eviIdent by attending only to the principles of compound multiplication and division. It is shewn in multiplication of money, that the price of one, multiplied by the quantity, is the price of the whole; and in division, that the price of the whole, divided by the quantity, is the price of one. Now, in all cases of valuing goods, &c. where one is the first term of the proportion, it is plain, that the answer, found by this rule, will be the same as that found by multiplication of money; and, where one is the last term of the proportion, it will be the same as that found by division of money. In like manner, if the first term be any number whatever, it is plain, that the product of the second and third terms will be greater than the true answer required by as much as the price in the second term exceeds the price of one, or as the first term exceeds an unit. Consequently this product divided by the first term will give the true answer required, and is the rule.

There will sometimes be difficulty in separating the parts of complicated questions, where two or more statings are required, and in preparing the question for stating, or after a proportion is wrought; but as there can be no general directions given for the management of these cases, it must be left to the judgment and experience of the learner.

The RULE OF THREE INVERSE teacheth, by having three numbers given, to find a fourth, that shall have the same proportion to the second, as the first has to the third.

If more require more, or less require less, the question belongs to the rule of three direct.

But if more require less, or less require more, it belongs to the rule of three inverse.

NOTE.