Ratios

Question 1

How can a ratio be simplified?

Answer 1

Straight (Straight up or straight across)

Solving, as opposed to simplifying, is done with cross multiplication.

4 = 12
6 X

Simplify across the top

1 = 3
6 X

Question 2

When given various ratios and 1 element is common in both, how to solve?

Answer 2

Make a common term with the similar element.
Set up equation using the UM and solve

EX.

In the storage room of a certain bakery, the ratio of sugar to flour is 5 to 8, and the ratio of flour to baking soda is 10 to 1. If there were 60 more pounds of baking soda in the room, the ratio of flour to baking soda would be 8 to 1. How many pounds of sugar are stored in the room?

40X = 8
4X+60 1

Question 3

What is the UM and when to use it?

Answer 3

UM = Multiplier that keeps ratio consistent
Use it when there is no value OR expression given to represent the elements in the given ratio.

EX.

3:4 men to women.
If there are 56 people in the room, how many are men?
(Notice that neither a value or expression were given to represent the men or the women. :: Use the UM to solve)