IXL | Compare ratios: word problems

Dan is making a model volcano for the science fair. He wants an awesome eruption, so he tries different amounts of baking soda and vinegar. First, he tries 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 6 tablespoons of vinegar. Next, he tries 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 9 tablespoons of vinegar. Did Dan use the same ratio of baking soda to vinegar in both eruptions?

yes

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Learn with an example

question

Darnel and Lester took a fishing trip with their scout troop last weekend. Darnel caught 4 catfish and 8 trout. Lester caught 3 catfish and 6 trout. Did the boys catch the same ratio of catfish to trout?

yes

key idea

A ratio is a comparison of two numbers that have the same unit of measurement.

solution

To find out if Darnel and Lester caught the same ratio of catfish to trout, start by finding the ratio each person caught.

Darnel caught 4 catfish and 8 trout. His ratio of catfish to trout was

Lester caught 3 catfish and 6 trout. His ratio of catfish to trout was

Now check if the ratios are equal. You can rewrite

and

using a common denominator that is a multiple of 8 and 6, like 24.

You can also rewrite

and

as simplified fractions.

Both ways show that

and

are

equal.

So, Darnel and Lester caught the same ratio of catfish to trout.

Looking for more? Try these:

Lesson: Ratios

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Teacher tools

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Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

L.4Equivalent ratios: word problems

O.2Convert between percents, fractions, and decimals

Lesson: Ratios

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