Math · Stage 5
Solve problems with the unitary method and ratio units
The whole olympiad trick is one move: find the value of ONE first, then multiply to find many. ONE can be a single item (a rate) or a single ratio unit — once you know what one is worth, every quantity is just a multiply.
✦ Math📘 Stage 5 · S5⏱ ~12 min🧒 Ages 9–10★ Free to start
I can solve problems with the unitary method and ratio units.
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Kavi Buys Kites 🪁
Kavi sees that 4 matching kites cost $20 and wants 7 of them 🪁. "No guessing!" hoots Kavi. "Find ONE first: 20 ÷ 4 = $5 for one kite. Now scale up — 7 kites = 7 × $5 = $35. Find one, then find many. That is the unitary method!"
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What your child will learn
1Find ONE, then find MANYThe unitary method is two moves. First DIVIDE to find what ONE is worth. Then MULTIPLY to find any amount you like. Use 4 kites cost $20 and tap each card.
2Hop by one kite at a timeOnce one kite is $5, the prices march in equal hops of $5: 1 kite $5, 2 kites $10, 3 kites $15 … Tap Hop and watch the total climb by $5 each time.
3A ratio is made of equal unitsThe same ONE-unit idea powers ratios. A ratio like 3 : 2 means 3 units and 2 units, all the same size — that is 3 + 2 = 5 equal units. If 30 sweets are shared 3 : 2, then 1 unit = 30 ÷ 5 = 6. The 3 shaded units are the bigger share (also 3/5 of all — ratio and fraction are the SAME bar).
4Total, one-part, or difference clue?
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A peek inside
3 notebooks cost $18. How much do 5 notebooks cost? 📓
one notebook = 18 ÷ 3 = $6, then 5 × $6
Try this at home: Find ONE: 4 pens cost $20, so one pen = __
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.