Quick questions on Ratio, rate and proportion explained: N(A)-Level Mathematics Number and Algebra

4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.

What is simplifying a ratio?

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Divide every part by their common factor, just like simplifying a fraction. For example,

12 : 8

divides by

4

to give

3 : 2

. To compare unlike units, first convert to the same unit:

1\ \text{m} : 50\ \text{cm}

becomes

100\ \text{cm} : 50\ \text{cm} = 2 : 1

What is sharing in a ratio?

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To divide a quantity in a ratio:

What are rates?

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A rate compares two quantities of different kinds, such as distance and time. Speed is the most common rate:

What is not simplifying the final ratio?

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A ratio answer such as

6 : 4

should be given as

3 : 2

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