1. **State the problem:** We need to find the equation that models the proportional relationship between the number of pancakes ($x$) and the amount of flour in cups ($y$). 2. **Understand proportional relationships:** When two quantities are proportional, they satisfy the equation $$y = kx$$ where $k$ is the constant of proportionality. 3. **Find the constant of proportionality $k$:** Using the first data point $(12, 3)$, $$k = \frac{y}{x} = \frac{3}{12} = \frac{1}{4}$$ 4. **Write the equation:** $$y = \frac{1}{4}x$$ 5. **Verify with other points:** - For $x=20$, $y = \frac{1}{4} \times 20 = 5$ (matches table) - For $x=32$, $y = \frac{1}{4} \times 32 = 8$ (matches table) - For $x=40$, $y = \frac{1}{4} \times 40 = 10$ (matches table) 6. **Conclusion:** The flour needed is one quarter the number of pancakes ordered. **Final equation:** $$y = \frac{1}{4}x$$