To solve for x using the proportional method, we start by setting up the equation based on the given ratio: 2 : x = 4 : 2. In mathematical terms, this can be expressed as:
2/x = 4/2
Next, we can cross-multiply to eliminate the fractions. This means that we multiply the extremes and the means:
2 * 2 = 4 * x
This simplifies to:
4 = 4x
To isolate x, divide both sides of the equation by 4:
x = 4/4
Which gives:
x = 1
Thus, the value of x in the ratio 2 : x = 4 : 2 is 1.