1. The problem is to find the value of $p$ in the proportion $$\frac{18}{9000} = p.$$ 2. This represents a fraction equal to $p$, which can be interpreted as a decimal or a percent. 3. To solve for $p$, divide 18 by 9000: $$p = \frac{18}{9000}.$$ 4. Simplify the fraction by dividing numerator and denominator by 18: $$p = \frac{\cancel{18}}{\cancel{9000}} = \frac{1}{500}.$$ 5. Convert the fraction to a decimal by dividing 1 by 500: $$p = 0.002.$$ 6. To express $p$ as a percent, multiply by 100: $$p = 0.002 \times 100 = 0.2\%. $$ 7. Therefore, the value of $p$ is 0.002 as a decimal or 0.2 percent.