Ratio Proportion Scale Practice Problems with Solutions

Master ratio, proportion, and scale problems with step-by-step practice exercises. Learn equivalent ratios, direct/inverse proportionality, and scale calculations.

๐Ÿ“šPractice Ratio, Proportion, and Scale Problems
  • Solve ratio problems with part-to-whole and part-to-part relationships
  • Find equivalent ratios using simplification and multiplication methods
  • Calculate missing values in proportions using cross multiplication
  • Distinguish between direct and inverse proportionality in real-world scenarios
  • Apply scale factors to solve map and drawing problems
  • Distribute quantities according to given ratios step-by-step

Understanding Ratio, Proportion and Scale

Complete explanation with examples

Summary

Ratio, Proportion, and Scale

The ratio between terms describes how many times greater or smaller a certain magnitude is than the other.

Proportion is a constant relationship or ratio between different magnitudes.

Scale is the proportionality between the real dimensions of something and those of the scheme that represents it.

Detailed explanation

Practice Ratio, Proportion and Scale

Test your knowledge with 28 quizzes

In the clothing factory there are two t-shirt machines

Machine A produces 30 t-shirts in 3 minutes,
Machine B produces 16 t-shirts in 2 minutes.

Which machine will produce more t-shirts in 10 minutes?

Examples with solutions for Ratio, Proportion and Scale

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

In a basket, there are 15 apples and 10 oranges. What is the ratio of apples to oranges?

Step-by-Step Solution

To find the ratio of apples to oranges, divide the number of apples by the number of oranges.
Therefore, apples:oranges=1510=3:2 \text{apples:oranges} = \frac{15}{10} = 3:2 .
Thus, the ratio of apples to oranges is 3:2 3:2 .

Answer:

3:2 3:2

Exercise #2

A recipe calls for 400g of flour and 200g of sugar. What is the ratio of flour to sugar in the recipe?

Step-by-Step Solution

To find the ratio of flour to sugar, divide the amount of flour by the amount of sugar.
Thus, we have flour:sugar=400200=2:1 \text{flour:sugar} = \frac{400}{200} = 2:1 .
Therefore, the ratio of flour to sugar is 2:1 2:1 .

Answer:

3:2 3:2

Exercise #3

What is the ratio between the number of fingers and the number of toes?

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, we'll follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Identify the number of fingers, which is typically 10.
  • Step 2: Identify the number of toes, which is also typically 10.
  • Step 3: Write the ratio of fingers to toes.
  • Step 4: Simplify the ratio.

Now, let's work through each step:
Step 1: The typical number of fingers on a human is 10 10 .
Step 2: The typical number of toes on a human is 10 10 .
Step 3: The ratio of fingers to toes is 10:10 10:10 .
Step 4: Simplifying this ratio 10:10 10:10 gives us 1:1 1:1 .

Therefore, the solution to the problem is 1:1 1:1 , which corresponds to answer choice 4.

Answer:

1:1 1:1

Exercise #4

A tank fills with water at a rate of 20 liters every 5 minutes.
What is the flow rate of the water in liters per minute?

Step-by-Step Solution

The total volume of water that fills the tank is 20 20 liters over 5 5 minutes. The flow rate is given by the volume divided by time:
Flowย Rate=Totalย VolumeTime=205=4 \text{Flow Rate} = \frac{\text{Total Volume}}{\text{Time}} = \frac{20}{5} = 4
Thus, the water flows at a rate of 4 4 liters per minute.

Answer:

4 4 liters/minute

Exercise #5

According to a recipe, one cup of flour is needed for 3 cookies. How many cups of flour are needed for six cookies?

Step-by-Step Solution

To solve this problem, let's determine how many cups of flour are needed to make six cookies using proportions.

Initially, we know that 1 cup of flour produces 3 cookies. Our task is to determine how many cups (x x ) will be necessary for 6 cookies.

We can set up a proportion based on the information given:

13=x6\frac{1}{3} = \frac{x}{6}

To solve for x x (the unknown number of cups), we cross-multiply:

(1ร—6)=(3ร—x)(1 \times 6) = (3 \times x)

This simplifies to:

6=3x6 = 3x

Next, divide both sides of the equation by 3 to isolate x x :

x=63=2x = \frac{6}{3} = 2

Therefore, 2 cups of flour are needed for six cookies.

The solution to the problem is 2 cups.

Answer:

2 cups

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you solve ratio word problems step by step?

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First, identify what quantities are being compared and write the ratio. Then determine if you need part-to-part or part-to-whole ratios. Finally, set up the proportion and solve using cross multiplication or equivalent fractions.

What's the difference between a ratio and a proportion?

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A ratio compares two quantities (like 3:5), while a proportion states that two ratios are equal (like 3:5 = 6:10). Ratios show relationships, proportions show equivalent relationships.

How do you find equivalent ratios?

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Multiply or divide both terms of the ratio by the same number. For example, 2:3 becomes 4:6 (multiply by 2) or becomes 6:9 (multiply by 3). The relationship stays the same.

When do you use direct vs inverse proportion?

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Use direct proportion when both quantities increase or decrease together (like distance and time at constant speed). Use inverse proportion when one increases as the other decreases (like speed and time for fixed distance).

How do you solve scale problems on maps?

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Identify the scale ratio (like 1:50,000), set up a proportion with known and unknown distances, then cross multiply to find the answer. Always use the same units throughout.

What are the most common mistakes in ratio problems?

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Common errors include: mixing up the order of terms in ratios, using different units without converting, confusing part-to-part with part-to-whole ratios, and incorrectly setting up proportions for word problems.

How do you distribute money according to a ratio?

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Add the parts of the ratio to find total parts, divide the total amount by total parts to find one part's value, then multiply each ratio term by the value of one part.

Can ratios be written as fractions and percentages?

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Yes, ratios can be expressed as fractions (3:4 = 3/4), decimals (0.75), or percentages (75%). This flexibility helps solve different types of proportion problems and makes comparisons easier.

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