The Learning Portal: Math: Basic Tutorials: Ratios, Rates, and Proportions (2024)

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The Learning Portal: Math: Basic Tutorials: Ratios, Rates, and Proportions (1)

Ratios, rates and proportions allow us to compare quantities. For example, you need to mix different colours of paint in a specific ratio to get a desired colour. When we say we are driving 100 kilometers per hour, that is an example of a rate. If two rates or ratios are equivalent to one another it is called a proportion. Proportions can be used to solve for unknown values and have several applications, including unit conversions and dosage calculations. In this module, you will review how to use ratios, rates, and proportions to solve real-life problems.

Top Tips

  • A ratio compares numbers or quantities in the same units.
  • A rate compares numbers or quantities in different units.
  • A unit rate is a rate with a denominator of 1. Unit rates are useful because they allow us to compare rates.
  • Proportions are formed when two ratios or rates are equivalent.
  • Cross multiplication can be used to solve for unknown values in proportions.
  • Proportions can be used to solve unit conversions and dosage problems.

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  • Last Updated: Aug 22, 2023 3:28 PM
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The Learning Portal: Math: Basic Tutorials: Ratios, Rates, and Proportions (2024)

FAQs

What is a rate and ratio Grade 8? ›

Both rates and ratios are comparisons of two numbers. A rate is simply a specific type of ratio. The difference is that a rate is a comparison of two numbers with different units, whereas a ratio compares two numbers with the same unit. In mathematics, a ratio indicates how many times one number contains another.

What is ratio grade 7? ›

A ratio compares the relationship between two values. It tells us how much there is of one thing compared to another. If we want to describe the relationship between the number of blue dots and the number of green dots, we could say that there is $$1 blue dot for every $$3 green dots.

What is the ratio of 3 to 5? ›

If put this into a calculator (3 divided by 5), you will get a decimal of 0.6 as the answer. This means that any two numbers that divide and come to the same answer are equivalent to 3/5.

What grade is ratios? ›

In Unit 1, 6th grade students have the opportunity to study a concept that is brand new to them: ratios. They learn how to use ratio language to describe the association between two or more quantities, expanding their abilities to analyze relationships and see multiplicative patterns.

What is ratio grade 10? ›

A ratio is a way of comparing two or more similar quantities. A ratio of 2 cm to 5 cm is written as 2 : 5. A ratio is normally written using whole numbers only, with no units, in its simplest form. The numbers in a ratio must be written using the same units. If they are not, they should be converted to the same units.

What is a ratio in math middle school? ›

A ratio is an ordered pair of numbers a and b, written a / b where b does not equal 0. A proportion is an equation in which two ratios are set equal to each other. For example, if there is 1 boy and 3 girls you could write the ratio as: 1 : 3 (for every one boy there are 3 girls)

How to solve proportions? ›

To solve proportions, start by taking the numerator, or top number, of the fraction you know and multiplying it with the denominator, or bottom number, of the fraction you don't know. Next, take that number and divide it by the denominator of the fraction you know. Now you can replace x with this final number.

How to figure ratio? ›

Ratios compare two numbers, usually by dividing them. If you are comparing one data point (A) to another data point (B), your formula would be A/B. This means you are dividing information A by information B. For example, if A is five and B is 10, your ratio will be 5/10.

How do I simplify ratios? ›

Like fractions, ratios can often be simplified. To simplify a ratio, divide all parts of the ratio by their highest common factor. For example, the highest common factor of both parts of the ratio 4:2 is 2 , so 4:2=2:1 4 : 2 = 2 : 1 .

Does a colon (:) mean divide in math? ›

A ratio is two numbers separated by a colon (:). A colon indicates the need to divide. A proportion is two ratios of equal value. A proportion can be written as two fractions or ratios on either side of a double colon (::). A double colon and an equal sign are interchangeable.

What is the ratio for kids? ›

Ratio tells us how much of one thing there is in relation to another thing. For example, 'For every 2 apples we have 3 bananas'. Proportion tells us about how much of one thing there is in relation to the whole amount of something. For example, 'There are 50 pieces of fruit, and 1 in every 5 of those is an apple. '

How to calculate ratios and proportions? ›

The ratio formula for two numbers, a and b is expressed as a : b or a/b. When two or more ratios are equal, they are said to be in proportion. The concept of ratio and proportion is based on fractions.

How do you calculate answer ratio? ›

If you are comparing one data point (A) to another data point (B), your formula would be A/B. This means you are dividing information A by information B. For example, if A is five and B is 10, your ratio will be 5/10. Solve the equation. Divide data A by data B to find your ratio.

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