Which goes first? H * L or L * H?

Please explain.

In the 3 by 5 flag, the 3 is the smaller side

The student has 3/5 = x/48 which is not correct.

This is because the x isn't the shorter side. Instead, it's the longer side.

The equation they should have set up is 3/5 = 48/x

Cross multiply and solve to get...

3/5 = 48/x

3x = 5*48

3x = 240

x = 240/3

x = 80

The longer side of the larger flag is 80 feet

I.e. the larger flag is 48 feet by 80 feet. It's similar to the 3 ft by 5 ft flag.

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