Introduction to Ratio
Understand and use simple ratios
Introduction to Ratio
A ratio compares two quantities. If there are 3 boys and 5 girls, the ratio of boys to girls is 3:5 (said as '3 to 5'). The order matters!
Example
Writing Ratios
A fruit bowl has 4 apples and 6 oranges.
Ratio of apples to oranges = 4:6
Simplified (÷2): 2:3
A recipe uses 2 cups flour and 1 cup sugar.
Ratio flour to sugar = 2:1
Example
Using Ratios
Mix paint in ratio 1:3 (white to blue).
If you use 2 cups white, you need: 2 × 3 = 6 cups blue.
Share R60 in ratio 1:2 between Thabo and Lerato.
Parts = 1 + 2 = 3
Thabo gets 1/3 of R60 = R20
Lerato gets 2/3 of R60 = R40
Note
Remember
A ratio compares amounts — the order matters! 3:5 is not the same as 5:3. Simplify ratios by dividing both numbers by their common factor.
Key Vocabulary
RatioA comparison of two quantities using a colon (:)
SimplifyMake a ratio simpler by dividing both parts by the same number
ProportionTwo equal ratios
CompareLook at two or more things to find how they are alike or different
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