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Key Concepts in Ratios and Proportions

Jun 10, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers key concepts and problem-solving methods in ratio, proportion, recipe scaling, value for money, density, speed, and related algebraic applications.

Ratio Calculations

  • To split an amount in a ratio, add the ratio parts and divide the total by this sum to get one part's value.
  • Multiply each part by the value to find each share, then check by summing shares.
  • For ratios involving given shares, determine the scaling factor and adjust all parts accordingly.
  • When extra differences are provided (e.g., one share is £21 more), relate this difference to the ratio parts and calculate the value of one part.

Combining Ratios & Unit Conversions

  • To combine ratios with overlapping terms, scale ratios so the overlapping term matches, then merge.
  • For currency conversion, use the exchange rate: divide or multiply depending on direction.
  • Compare values by converting both amounts to the same unit (pounds or dollars).

Recipe Scaling & Value for Money

  • Scale recipes up by adding recipes for smaller groups as needed.
  • For value for money, find price per unit by dividing total price by quantity; compare per-unit prices.

Mass, Density, and Speed Problems

  • Use tables to organize values for mass, density, and volume.
  • Density formula: density = mass / volume.
  • For mixtures, add masses and volumes, then use total density = total mass / total volume.
  • Speed formula: speed = distance / time, distance = speed × time, time = distance / speed.
  • For multi-part journeys, add distances and times to find total averages.

Proportion, Taps, and Estimation

  • Work out single machine/tap rates, then divide by the number of machines for group work.
  • State assumptions (e.g., all machines/taps work equally).
  • For proportional sampling (capture-recapture), set up equations based on ratios and solve for the unknown.

Direct & Inverse Proportionality

  • Direct proportion: a = k × b; inverse: a = k / b.
  • Substitute given values to find k, then use it to solve for unknowns.
  • For direct proportion to roots/powers, modify formula accordingly (e.g., a ∝ √b → a = k√b).

Probability and Fractions in Ratios

  • Convert ratios to fractions and use multiplication for combined probabilities.
  • Add results with common denominators; simplify if needed.

Algebra with Ratios

  • Equivalent ratios can be written as fractions and set equal; cross-multiply and solve resulting equations.
  • Factorize quadratics to find possible variable values.

Distance, Speed Graphs, and Acceleration

  • Estimate distance by calculating the area under speed-time graphs (split into shapes and sum areas).
  • Estimate acceleration by drawing a tangent at a point and calculating the gradient (rise/run).

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Ratio — Comparison of quantities, showing the relative sizes of two or more values.
  • Proportion — An equation stating two ratios are equal.
  • Density — Mass per unit volume (density = mass / volume).
  • Direct Proportion — Relationship where one quantity increases with another.
  • Inverse Proportion — Relationship where one quantity increases as another decreases.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice ratio and proportion problems, including recipe scaling and combining ratios.
  • Review direct and inverse proportion formulas and their applications.
  • Complete any assigned homework or textbook problems on these topics.