Math · Stage 6
Solve ratio and proportion problems using the bar model
Read a ratio as equal units, draw a bar for each unit, find the value of one unit, then multiply to solve share, difference, total and proportion problems.
✦ Math📘 Stage 6 · S6⏱ ~14 min🧒 Ages 10–12★ Free to start
I can solve ratio and proportion problems using the bar model.
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Kavi Shares the Blueberries 🫐
Kavi is sharing 20 blueberries with a friend in the ratio 2 : 3 🫐. "A ratio just tells me how to cut a whole into fair units," Kavi hoots. "I draw a bar for every unit, work out what one unit is worth, and then everything else is easy — shares, differences, even recipes ⚡."
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What your child will learn
1A ratio splits a whole into partsThe ratio 2 : 3 means 2 parts to 3 parts. Count the parts and you get the whole: 2 + 3 = 5 equal units. Here the whole is 5, split as 2 and 3. Tap ◀ less / more ▶ to see how a different split makes a different ratio.
2Draw it as a bar model
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A peek inside
Share 20 sweets in the ratio 2 : 3. How many are in each share?
2 + 3 = 5 units in all; 20 ÷ 5 = 4 per unit; then 2 × 4 and 3 × 4
Try this at home: A ribbon is cut in the ratio 2 : 3. It is 15 cm long. How long is each piece?
Ready to play and learn?
Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.
Part of Math · Stage 6 · S6 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.