Identify the Quantities
Find the two values being compared and keep their labels attached.
Free Interactive Math Tool
Ratios and Unit Rates
Practice writing ratios in the correct order, finding rates per one unit, and comparing rates in useful real-world situations.
Learn How Ratios and Unit Rates Work
Learn how to keep ratio order straight, divide to find a per-one rate, label units correctly, and compare rates fairly.
Read the Ratios and Unit Rates GuideHow It Works
Connect Two Quantities Clearly
Ratios describe a relationship. Unit rates make that relationship easier to understand by showing the amount for one unit.
Follow the Requested Order
A ratio of apples to baskets is different from a ratio of baskets to apples.
Divide to Find “Per One”
Divide the first quantity by the second to find the amount for one unit of the second quantity.
Interpret the Units
State what the number means, such as dollars per item, miles per hour, or words per minute.
Interactive Practice
Solve the Ratio or Rate
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Write a Ratio
MediumA fruit stand sells 6 oranges for 3 dollars.
Write the ratio of oranges to dollars.
Your Response
Enter the ratio in the requested order.
Enter the number of oranges first and the number of dollars second.
oranges per dollar
Correct!
You kept the quantities in the requested order.
Problem
Oranges to dollars
Answer
6:3
The ratio is 6 oranges to 3 dollars, which can also be simplified to 2 oranges for every 1 dollar.
Helpful Strategies
Make Every Ratio Meaningful
Accurate calculation matters, but the order and units tell you what the answer actually means.
Order Matters
Match the order of your numbers to the order named in the question.
“Per” Means Divide
To find one unit, divide the first amount by the second amount.
Keep the Units
A unit rate is incomplete without labels such as dollars per pound or miles per hour.
Compare the Same Rate
Convert both choices to the same “per one” unit before deciding which is greater or the better buy.
Real-World Applications
Where Ratios and Unit Rates Appear
Shopping
Compare prices per ounce, item, pound, or other unit to identify the better value.
Travel and Speed
Describe distance traveled per hour and compare the speeds of different trips.
Recipes
Keep ingredient relationships consistent when a recipe is enlarged or reduced.
Work and Production
Measure pay per hour, items produced per minute, or another amount completed in one unit of time.
Practice Another Ratio or Rate
Each new problem helps you connect quantities, use units correctly, and understand what a per-one rate means.