Joe and Bob cleaned a yard for Mr. Briggs, who payed them $120. Joe worked 8 hours and Bob worked 4 hours. How much should Joe get? How much should Bob get?
Solution:
The proportion (ratio) of Joe's work to Bob's work was 8:4, for a total of 8 + 4 = 12 shares.
$120 split into 12 shares is $10.
If the proportion of Joe's work to Bob's work was 8:4, then multiplying both sides by $10 gives us an answer of $80:$40.
Joe earned $80 and Bob earned $40.