[tex] \\
\text{Given that a 12-foot section of a beam weighs p pounds}.\\
\text{and we need to find the weight of a 5-foot section of the beam.}\\
\\
\text{to find the weight, we use the proportion.}\\
\\
\text{Since weight of 12-foot section of beam is p pounds, }\\
\text{so weight of 1-foot section of the beam is}=\frac{p}{12} \text{ pounds}\\
\\
\text{and hence weight of 5-foot section of beam is}=\frac{5p}{12} \text{ pounds} [/tex]
Weight of 5-foot section of beam is: (5p/ 12) pounds.
