Ratio and Percentage


A ratio is a numerical method of comparing two quantities of the same type, such as sum of money, length, weight, ages, marks, etc…

As ratio is a comparison of relative magnitude of two quantities, it may not necessarily contain units. It may be in fraction or separated by column in between them. For example; P/Q or P:Q which is pronounced as P ratio Q. A ratio is always numbers.

The following rules should be implemented when dealing with ratios.

Rule 1; If a/b and c/d are two different ratios. Let a/b = c/d
Therefore, ad = bc (when cross multiplied)

Rule 2; If a/b = c/d
Therefore, b/a = d/c (alternating the ratios)

Rule 3; If a/b = c/d
Therefore, a/c = b/d (inverting the ratios)

Examples;

1. In a certain class, the ratio of boys to girls is 2:5. If there are 40 boys, find how many girls are there.

Solution
Let the no of girls be x

Then 2:5 = 40:x

2/5 = 40/x (cross multiply)

2x = 40 X 5

2x = 200 (divide both sides by 2)

x = 200/2

Therefore, x = 100.

This means that there are 100 girls in the class.


2. Which ratio is greater, 6:8 or 12:22?

Solution
6:8 is the same as 6/8.

Divide 6 by 8 and the answer is 0.75.

While 12:22 is the same as 12/22.

Divide 12 by 22 and the answer is 0.545.

Which is bigger between 0.75 and 0.545?

Obviously it is 0.75.

Therefore this means that 6:8 is greater than 12:22.

 
3. Decrease #110.81 in the ratio 4:7.

Solution
In order to decrease #110.81, multiply it by 4/7.

#110.81 X 4/7

This can be written as; 






= #63.92 (final answer)


Practice these questions below;

1. The ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter is 22:7. What is the circumference of a circle of diameter 15.6m?

2. In each class, find which of the two ratios is greater;
(a) 16 : 7  or  17 : 6
(b) 2.5g : 2kg  or  0.4kg : 300kg
(c) #1.60 : #4  or  #6 : #11.

3. Divide 490 in the ratio 2:5:7.

4. In preparing a recipe for cake, the ratio of the flour to sugar is 40:3. Find the required amount of flour to 18kg of sugar.

5. A worker’s income is increased in the ratio 36:30. Find the increase percent.

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