Proportions are simply...equations. There is really no difference, but if you are given a proportion you can actually use a short cut that will help you move through the problem faster and with a little less effort. You see, by definition a proportion is a statement that two ratios are equal...and a ratio is a fraction! Because the cross products of any two equivalent fractions are equal, the same is true of proportions. So to solve these babies, all you have to do is set the cross products equal to each other and solve as usual...simple... after you have understanding and a little practice!