Sixth Grade · Math · week 6

Solving ratio word problems

Solve multi-step word problems involving ratios by finding the scale factor between equivalent ratios.

Ratio word problems describe a fixed relationship between two amounts, then ask about a new amount. The trick is to find the scale factor - the number you multiply by to get from the known ratio to the new situation.

Set up the ratio as a table or a pair of equivalent fractions, then find what number makes them equivalent.

Read carefully to find which quantity you already know and which one you are solving for, and for a total-based problem, add the ratio parts first to see how many equal parts make up the whole.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Draw or write the ratio table together, then find the scale factor before doing anything else.
  • Say out loud which known quantity connects to which unknown - matching labels prevents crossed-up division.
  • For "ratio with total" problems, add the ratio parts first to find how many equal parts make up the whole.
  • Check the final answer by making sure it simplifies back to the original ratio.
Talk about it:
  • How do you find the scale factor between two equivalent ratios?
  • Why is it useful to add the two parts of a ratio when you know a total?
  • Can you think of a ratio word problem from a real recipe or trip?

Mastery looks like: They set up a ratio word problem correctly, find the scale factor, and solve for the unknown quantity, including total-based problems.

Common stumbles: Multiplying the wrong number by the scale factor; not adding the ratio parts first when a total is given.

See it visually

Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.

FractionsSlice bars and circles into equal parts and compare them.try →
Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Math for this learner.
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