6th Grade Math

Ratios, proportions, and algebraic thinking for sixth grade students.

Understanding RatiosExploring ProportionsIntroduction to Algebraic Thinking
Solving Ratio Word ProblemsWorking with Proportional RelationshipsSolving One-Step Algebraic Equations
Using Ratios in Cooking and RecipesApplying Proportions to Shopping and DiscountsAlgebra in Everyday Problem Solving
Breaking Down Word ProblemsChecking Your Work with Estimation
Understanding RatiosExploring Proportion...Introduction to Alge...Solving Ratio Word P...Working with Proport...Solving One-Step Alg...Using Ratios in Cook...Applying Proportions...Algebra in Everyday ...Breaking Down Word P...Checking Your Work w...
Advanced Topics

Solving Ratio Word Problems

Tackling Real-Life Ratio Problems

Ratio word problems use everyday situations to test your ratio skills. Read carefully and look for what’s being compared.

Steps to Solve

  1. Figure out what the ratio compares.
  2. Write the ratio based on the problem.
  3. Simplify if possible.
  4. Use multiplication or division to find missing values.

Common Tricks

Watch for words like “for every,” “per,” or “out of,” which signal a ratio is at play.

Practice Makes Perfect

The more you try these, the quicker you’ll spot ratios in stories and situations!

Key Formula

\[\frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d}\]

Examples

  • A recipe uses 2 cups of sugar for every 5 cups of flour. How much sugar is needed for 20 cups of flour? Use the ratio \( \frac{2}{5} = \frac{x}{20} \) to solve.

  • If there are 30 students and the ratio of boys to girls is 2:3, how many boys are there?

In a Nutshell

Solving word problems with ratios involves finding relationships and working out missing information.

Key Terms

Word Problem
A math problem written as a story using real-world situations.
Equivalent Ratio
Two ratios that express the same relationship.
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Working with Proportional Relationships