Math · Stage 5
Understand ratio and rate; relate ratio to fractions
A ratio compares two amounts, like 2 : 3. Add the parts and it turns into a fraction; say it 'per 1 unit' and it turns into a rate.
✦ Math📘 Stage 5 · S5⏱ ~12 min🧒 Ages 9–10★ Free to start
I can understand ratio and rate; relate ratio to fractions.
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Kavi Mixes Mango Juice 🥭
Kavi stirs a big jug and grins: "2 cups of water for every 1 cup of mango — that's a ratio, 2 : 1! So 1 out of every 3 cups is mango, which is the fraction 1/3 🥭." Then Kavi checks the clock after a bike ride: "I rode 12 km in 1 hour — 12 km per hour is a rate!" Let's see how ratios, rates and fractions all fit together.
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What your child will learn
1A ratio compares two amounts
2A ratio of 2 : 3 hides two fractionsIn 2 : 3 there are 2 + 3 = 5 equal parts in all. So the first amount is 2/5 of the whole and the second is 3/5. The bar below is shaded 2 of 5 — that is the 2/5.
3Ratio compares same things; rate compares different thingsBoth compare two quantities — but a ratio compares amounts of the same kind, while a rate compares different kinds, usually 'per 1 unit'.
4Worked method — share 20 marbles in 3 : 2
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A peek inside
In a fruit bowl there are 4 apples and 6 oranges. Write the ratio of apples to oranges in its simplest form.
4 : 6 — divide BOTH parts by 2 → 2 : 3
Try this at home: A box has 5 red and 10 blue pens. Write red : blue in its simplest form.
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Math · Stage 5 · S5 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.