Ratios and Rates - Sixth Grade
Complete Notes & Formulas
1. What is a Ratio?
Definition
A ratio is a COMPARISON of two quantities
by division
Three Ways to Write Ratios
Method | Format | Example (3 to 5) |
---|---|---|
Using "to" | a to b | 3 to 5 |
Using colon | a : b | 3 : 5 |
Using fraction | a/b | 3/5 |
Types of Ratios
Part-to-Part: Compares one part to another part
Example: 3 boys to 5 girls → 3:5
Part-to-Whole: Compares one part to the total
Example: 3 boys out of 8 total students → 3:8
2. Equivalent Ratios
Definition
Equivalent ratios express the SAME relationship
They simplify to the same ratio
How to Find Equivalent Ratios
Multiply or Divide BOTH terms by the SAME number
Example: Find equivalent ratios of 2:3
Multiply by 2: 2×2 : 3×2 = 4:6 ✓
Multiply by 3: 2×3 : 3×3 = 6:9 ✓
Multiply by 4: 2×4 : 3×4 = 8:12 ✓
Equivalent ratios: 2:3, 4:6, 6:9, 8:12
Simplifying Ratios
Example: Simplify 12:18
Find GCD of 12 and 18 = 6
12 ÷ 6 : 18 ÷ 6
= 2:3
Simplest form: 2:3
3. Ratio Tables
What is a Ratio Table?
A ratio table shows equivalent ratios in an organized way
Each column represents an equivalent ratio
Example: Ratio Table for 3:5
First Quantity | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Second Quantity | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 |
Each column shows equivalent ratios: 3:5 = 6:10 = 9:15 = 12:20
4. Unit Rates
Definition
A unit rate compares a quantity to ONE unit
The denominator is always 1
Formula
Unit Rate = Total Amount ÷ Number of Units
Examples
Example 1: $12 for 3 pounds. Find unit rate.
Unit rate = $12 ÷ 3 pounds
= $4 per pound
Answer: $4/pound
Example 2: 150 miles in 3 hours. Find unit rate.
Unit rate = 150 miles ÷ 3 hours
= 50 miles per hour
Answer: 50 mph
5. Speed, Distance, and Time
The Triangle Formula
Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Distance = Speed × Time
Time = Distance ÷ Speed
Memory Trick
DST Triangle:
D
S × T
Cover what you're finding!
Examples
Example 1: A car travels 240 miles in 4 hours. Find speed.
Speed = Distance ÷ Time
Speed = 240 miles ÷ 4 hours
Speed = 60 miles per hour
Answer: 60 mph
Example 2: How far can you travel in 3 hours at 55 mph?
Distance = Speed × Time
Distance = 55 mph × 3 hours
Distance = 165 miles
Answer: 165 miles
6. Proportions
Definition
A proportion is an equation stating
that two ratios are EQUAL
a/b = c/d
Cross-Multiplication Method
If a/b = c/d, then a × d = b × c
Example: Solve the proportion
Problem: 3/4 = x/12
Step 1: Cross-multiply
3 × 12 = 4 × x
36 = 4x
Step 2: Divide both sides by 4
36 ÷ 4 = x
9 = x
Answer: x = 9
7. Scale Drawings
What is a Scale?
A scale is a ratio that compares:
Drawing measurement : Actual measurement
Common Scale Notations
• 1:50 means 1 cm on drawing = 50 cm in real life
• 1 inch : 10 feet means 1 inch = 10 feet
• 1/4 inch = 1 foot means ¼ inch represents 1 foot
Example: Scale Drawing Problem
Problem: A map has scale 1 inch : 20 miles. If two cities are 3 inches apart on the map, what's the actual distance?
Step 1: Set up proportion
1 inch / 20 miles = 3 inches / x miles
Step 2: Cross-multiply
1 × x = 20 × 3
x = 60
Answer: 60 miles
8. Comparing Ratios and Rates
Methods to Compare
Method 1: Convert both to unit rates and compare
Method 2: Find equivalent ratios with common denominator
Method 3: Convert to decimals and compare
Example: Which is a better buy?
Problem: Store A: $6 for 2 pounds OR Store B: $10 for 4 pounds
Store A: $6 ÷ 2 pounds = $3 per pound
Store B: $10 ÷ 4 pounds = $2.50 per pound
$2.50 < $3
Answer: Store B is the better buy!
9. Solving Ratio Word Problems
Steps to Solve
Step 1: Identify what's being compared
Step 2: Write the ratio in correct order
Step 3: Set up proportion if needed
Step 4: Solve using cross-multiplication
Step 5: Check your answer
Example: Recipe Problem
Problem: A recipe needs 2 cups of flour for 3 cups of sugar. If you use 8 cups of flour, how much sugar do you need?
Step 1: Set up proportion
2 cups flour / 3 cups sugar = 8 cups flour / x cups sugar
Step 2: Cross-multiply
2 × x = 3 × 8
2x = 24
x = 12
Answer: 12 cups of sugar
10. Using Tape Diagrams
What is a Tape Diagram?
A visual model using bars (tape) to represent quantities
Helps visualize ratio relationships
Example: Tape Diagram for 2:3
Ratio 2:3 shown visually
Quick Reference: Ratios & Rates Formulas
Concept | Formula/Rule |
---|---|
Ratio | a:b or a to b or a/b |
Unit Rate | Total ÷ Units |
Speed | Distance ÷ Time |
Distance | Speed × Time |
Time | Distance ÷ Speed |
Proportion | a/b = c/d → a×d = b×c |
💡 Important Tips to Remember
✓ Order matters in ratios - 2:3 ≠ 3:2
✓ Equivalent ratios: Multiply or divide both parts by same number
✓ Unit rate: Denominator is always 1
✓ Speed formula: Distance ÷ Time
✓ Cross-multiply to solve proportions
✓ Scale drawings: Set up proportion with same units
✓ Comparing rates: Convert to unit rates first
✓ Always simplify ratios to lowest terms
✓ Label your units in rate problems
✓ Check your answer - does it make sense?
🧠 Memory Tricks & Strategies
Ratio vs Rate:
"Ratios compare same units, rates compare different units!"
Equivalent Ratios:
"Times or divide, keep them alive - both parts change to keep ratio the same!"
Speed Formula:
"Distance divided by time, that's speed every time!"
Cross-Multiplication:
"Cross and multiply, then divide - that's how proportions are solved!"
Unit Rate:
"Per one is what you see, that's a unit rate for me!"
Proportion Check:
"Cross products equal, ratios are sequel!"
Master Ratios and Rates! 📊 ⚡ 🎯
Remember: Ratios compare, rates measure, proportions equate!