What does it mean when things are in proportion?

When things are in proportion, it means that the relationship between the parts stays the same. This concept is foundational in understanding ratios and scaling. For instance, if two quantities are in proportion, increasing one quantity while maintaining the same proportional relationship to the other quantity ensures that the overall ratio remains consistent.

For example, if the ratio of two numbers is 2:3, as long as you maintain that same proportional relationship—such as by multiplying both numbers by the same factor—the new numbers will also maintain the same ratio of 2:3. This characteristic is essential in various fields such as mathematics, science, and economics, where maintaining consistent ratios is crucial for accurate calculations and predictions.