Proportion
PROPORTION, noun [Latin proportio; pro and portio, part or share. See [[Portion]].]
1. The comparative relation of any one thing to another. Let a man's exertions be in proportion to his strength.
2. The identity or similitude of two ratios. proportion differs from ratio. Ratio is the relation which determines the quantity of one thing from the quantity of another, without the intervention of a third. Thus the ratio of 5 and [[Isaiah 2#1|Isaiah 2:1]]; the ratio of 8 and 16 is 2. proportion is the sameness or likeness of two such relations. Thus 5 is to 10, as 8 to 16, or A is to B, as C is to D; that is, 5 bears the same relation to 10, as 8 does to 16. Hence we say, such numbers are in proportion
PROPORTION, in mathematics, an equality or ratios.
The term proportion is sometimes improperly used for ratio. The ratio between two quantities, is expressed by the quotient of one divided by the other; thus, the ratio of 10 to 5 is 2, and the ratio of 16 to 8 is 2. These two equal ratios constitute a proportion which is expressed by saying, 10 is to 5 as 16 is to 8; or more concisely, 10:5::16:8. [See Ratio.]
3. In arithmetic, a rule by which, when three numbers are given, a fourth number is found, which bears the same relation to the third as the second does to the first; or a fourth number is found, bearing the same relation to the second as the first does to the third. The former is called direct, and the latter, inverse proportion
4. Symmetry; suitable adaptation of one part or thing to another; as the proportion of one limb to another in the human body; the proportion of the length and breadth of a room to its highth.