1. The problem is to understand and solve proportions in a simple way suitable for sixth grade. 2. A proportion is an equation that states two ratios are equal. It looks like this: $$\frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d}$$ where $a$, $b$, $c$, and $d$ are numbers and $b$ and $d$ are not zero. 3. To solve a proportion, we use the cross multiplication rule: multiply $a$ by $d$ and $b$ by $c$, then set them equal: $$a \times d = b \times c$$ 4. For example, if we have $$\frac{2}{3} = \frac{x}{9}$$, we cross multiply: $$2 \times 9 = 3 \times x$$ 5. This gives: $$18 = 3x$$ 6. To find $x$, divide both sides by 3: $$\frac{18}{\cancel{3}} = \frac{3x}{\cancel{3}}$$ $$6 = x$$ 7. So, $x = 6$. 8. This means the missing number in the proportion is 6, keeping the ratios equal. 9. Remember, proportions help us find unknown values when two ratios are equal, and cross multiplication is the key step to solve them easily.