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Course: 7th grade   >   Unit 1

  • Worked example: Solving proportions
  • Solving proportions
  • Writing proportions example
  • Writing proportions
  • Proportion word problem: cookies
  • Proportion word problem: hot dogs

Proportion word problems

solving proportions word problems answer key

  • Your answer should be
  • an integer, like 6 ‍  
  • a simplified proper fraction, like 3 / 5 ‍  
  • a simplified improper fraction, like 7 / 4 ‍  
  • a mixed number, like 1   3 / 4 ‍  
  • an exact decimal, like 0.75 ‍  
  • a multiple of pi, like 12   pi ‍   or 2 / 3   pi ‍  

Ratios and Proportions Word Problem Worksheets

Ratios and proportions word problems are a specific type of mathematical exercise designed to help students understand and apply the concepts of ratios and proportions in real-life scenarios. These problems involve situations where quantities are compared, and students are required to analyze and solve the given problems by using mathematical relationships.

A ratio is a comparison of two numbers or quantities, often expressed as a fraction or using the colon symbol (e.g., 2:3 or 2/3). In word problems, students encounter scenarios where they need to determine the ratio between different quantities. For example, a problem might involve finding the ratio of the number of boys to girls in a classroom, or the ratio of ingredients in a recipe.

Proportions, on the other hand, involve the equality of two ratios. In word problems, students are asked to set up proportions and solve for an unknown quantity. This requires an understanding of how the quantities in a problem are related and how to express these relationships using ratios.

Word problems are an effective way to improve math skills because they require students to not only apply mathematical concepts but also to interpret and analyze real-world situations. By solving these problems, students can enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. They also learn to translate verbal information into mathematical equations, a crucial skill for various areas of mathematics and other subjects.

Ratios and proportions word problems help students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and their practical applications. These problems often cover a wide range of topics, from basic arithmetic to more advanced algebra and geometry. As students work through these exercises, they become more confident in their mathematical abilities and gain the skills necessary to tackle more complex math problems in the future.

Ratios and Proportions Word Problem Worksheet 1

The worksheet provided is a mathematics exercise sheet focused on the topic of ratios and proportions. It presents a series of word problems that require the student to apply their understanding of how to calculate and use ratios and proportions to solve real-world scenarios. These scenarios include making lemonade, baking, gardening, and comparing quantities in various contexts.

The purpose of this worksheet is to teach students how to understand and work with ratios and proportions in practical situations. It aims to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by applying mathematical concepts to everyday tasks. The worksheet also encourages students to convert word problems into mathematical equations, enhancing their ability to translate between verbal descriptions and numerical expressions.

Ratios and Proportions Word Problem Worksheet 2

The worksheet is a mathematics exercise focused on ratios and proportions, specifically designed as a set of word problems. The problems on the sheet cover a variety of everyday contexts, such as cooking, gardening, shopping, and sorting items, where the student must identify and calculate the correct ratios and proportions from the information provided. Each question is structured to help students practice the translation of a written scenario into a mathematical ratio or proportion.

This worksheet aims to teach students the concept of ratios and proportions in a manner that relates to real-life situations. It is intended to help students understand the principles of comparison and scaling, critical for grasping the foundational ideas in mathematics that are applicable in many areas of study and daily life. By working through these problems, students will improve their analytical thinking and their ability to solve complex problems by breaking them down into simpler mathematical relationships.

Ratios and Proportions Word Problem Worksheet 3

This worksheet is the third in a series, continuing the focus on the application of ratios and proportions to solve word problems. It contains a variety of problems that range from travel distances to cooking recipes and pricing discounts. These problems are designed to contextualize mathematical concepts within everyday activities and scenarios, challenging students to extract and compute ratios and proportions from the given information.

The worksheet is designed to deepen students’ understanding of ratios and proportions by presenting them with increasingly complex scenarios. It seeks to reinforce their skills in translating verbal descriptions into mathematical expressions and calculations. The ultimate goal is for students to become adept at identifying proportional relationships and using these relationships to solve practical problems, thereby building a strong foundation for future mathematical learning and application.

How to Solve Ratios and Proportions Word Problems

To solve ratio and proportion word problems, you generally follow these steps:

Step 1) Read the Problem Carefully: Understand what the problem is asking. Identify the quantities being compared and what the ratio or proportion is representing.

Step 2) Identify the Knowns and Unknowns: Determine which values are given and which value you need to find.

Step 3) Set Up the Ratio or Proportion: Write down the ratio or proportion using the given information. Ratios are typically written as a:b or a/b, and proportions are equations that set two ratios equal to each other, such as a/b = c/d.

Step 4) Solve the Proportion: If it’s a proportion problem, you can solve for the unknown by cross-multiplying and then dividing.

Step 5) Write a Conclusion: Answer the question in the context of the problem.

Step 6) Check Your Work: Verify that your answer makes sense in the context of the problem and that the units are consistent.

Example Problems – Here are two examples with step-by-step solutions:

Sack of Flour

Example 1 – Problem: A recipe calls for 3 cups of flour to 2 cups of sugar. If you want to make a half batch and you have only 1 cup of sugar, how much flour do you need?

Solution: The known ratio is 3 cups of flour to 2 cups of sugar, or 3:2.

You want to make a half batch with only 1 cup of sugar. Set up the proportion based on the known ratio: (3 cups flour)/(2 cups sugar) = (x cups flour)/(1 cup sugar). Cross-multiply to find the unknown: 2 * x = 3 * 1, which simplifies to 2x = 3. Divide both sides by 2 to solve for x: x = 3/2 = 1.5. Conclude that you need 1.5 cups of flour for 1 cup of sugar.

Example 2 – Problem: A car travels 180 miles in 3 hours. If it continues at the same speed, how far will it travel in 5 hours?

Solution: The ratio of distance to time for the car is 180 miles : 3 hours.

You need to find out the distance (let’s call it d) for 5 hours. Set up the proportion: (180 miles)/(3 hours) = (d miles)/(5 hours). Cross-multiply to find d: 3 * d = 180 * 5, which simplifies to 3d = 900. Divide both sides by 3 to solve for d: d = 900/3 = 300. Conclude that the car will travel 300 miles in 5 hours.

These examples show the practical use of ratios and proportions to solve problems, demonstrating the value of these concepts in everyday situations.

Proportions Word Problems Worksheet: Answers and Explanations

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A proportion is a set of 2 fractions that equal each other. This article focuses on how to use proportions to solve real life problems.

Real World Uses of Proportions

  • Modifying a budget for a restaurant chain that is expanding from 3 locations to 20 locations
  • Creating a skyscraper from blueprints
  • Calculating tips, commissions, and sales tax

Modifying a Recipe

On Monday, you are cooking enough white rice to serve exactly 3 people. The recipe calls for 2 cups of water and 1 cup of dry rice. On Sunday, you are going to serve rice to 12 people. How would the recipe change? If you’ve ever made rice, you know that this ratio—1 part dry rice and 2 parts water—is important. Mess it up, and you’ll be scooping a gummy mess on top of your guests' crawfish étouffée.

Because you are quadrupling your guest list (3 people * 4 = 12 people), you must quadruple your recipe. Cook 8 cups of water and 4 cups of dry rice. These shifts in a recipe demonstrate the heart of proportions: using a ratio to accommodate life's greater and smaller changes.

Algebra and Proportions 1

Sure, with the right numbers, you can forgo setting up an algebraic equation to determine the amounts of dry rice and water. What happens when the numbers are not so friendly, however? On Thanksgiving, you'll be serving rice to 25 people. How much water do you need?

Because the ratio of 2 parts water and 1 part dry rice applies to cooking 25 servings of rice, use a proportion to determine the quantity of ingredients.

Note : Translating a word problem into an equation is super important. Yes, you can solve an incorrectly set up equation and find an answer. You can also mix rice and water together to create "food" to serve at Thanksgiving. Whether the answer or food is palatable depends on the equation.

Think about what you know:

  • 3 servings of cooked rice = 2 cups of water; 1 cup of dry rice 25 servings of cooked rice = ? cups of water; ? cup of dry rice
  • 3 servings of cooked rice/25 servings of cooked rice = 2 cups of water/ x cups of water
  • 3/25 = 2/ x

Cross multiply. Hint : Write these fractions vertically to get the full understanding of cross multiplying. To cross multiply, take the first fraction's numerator and multiply it by the second fraction's denominator. Then take the second fraction's numerator and multiply it by the first fraction's denominator.

3 * x = 2 * 25 3 x = 50 Divide both sides of the equation by 3 to solve for x . 3 x /3 = 50/3 x = 16.6667 cups of water Freeze- verify that the answer is correct. Is 3/25 = 2/16.6667? 3/25 = .12 2/16.6667= .12 Whoo hoo! The answer 16.6667 cups of water is correct. 

Ratio and Proportions Word Problem 1: The Brownie Recipe

Damian is making brownies to serve at the family picnic. If the recipe calls for 2 ½ cups of cocoa to serve 4 people, how many cups will he need if there will be 60 people at the picnic? 37.5 cups

What do you know? 2 ½ cups = 4 people ? cups = 60 people 2 ½ cups/ x cups = 4 people/60 people 2 ½/ x = 4/60 Cross Multiply. 2 ½ * 60 = 4 * x 150 = 4 x Divide both sides by 4 to solve for x . 150/4 = 4 x /4 37.5 = x 37.5 cups

Use common sense to verify that the answer is correct. The initial recipe serves 4 people and is modified to serve 60 people. Of course, the new recipe has to serve 15 times more people. Therefore, the amount of cocoa has to be multiplied by 15. Is 2 ½ * 15 = 37.5? Yes.

Ratio and Proportions Word Problem 2: Growing Little Piglets

A piglet can gain 3 pounds in 36 hours. If this rate continues, the pig will reach 18 pounds in  216  hours.

What do you know? 3 pounds = 36 hours 18 pounds = ? hours 3 pounds/18 pounds = 36 hours/ ? hours 3/18 = 36/ x

Cross Multiply. 3 * x = 36 * 18 3 x = 648

Divide both sides by 3 to solve for x . 3 x /3 = 648/3 x = 216 216 hours

Use common sense to verify that the answer is correct. A piglet can gain 3 pounds in 36 hours, which is a rate of 1 pound for every 12 hours. That means that for every pound a piglet gains, 12 hours will pass. Therefore 18 *12, or 216 pounds, is the correct answer.

Ratio and Proportions Word Problem 3: The Hungry Rabbit

Denise’s rabbit can eat 70 pounds of food in 80 days. How long will it take the rabbit to eat 87.5 pounds? 100 days

What do you know? 70 pounds = 80 days 87.5 pounds = ? days 70 pounds/87.5 pounds = 80 days/ x days 70/87.5 = 80/ x

Cross Multiply. 70 * x = 80 * 87.5 70 x = 7000

Divide both sides by 70 to solve for x . 70 x /70 = 7000/70 x = 100

Use Algebra to verify the answer. Is 70/87.5 = 80/100? 70/87.5 = .8 80/100 = .8

Ratio and Proportions Word Problem 4: The Long Road Trip

Jessica drives 130 miles every two hours. If this rate continues, how long will it take her to drive 1,000 miles? 15.38 hours

What do you know? 130 miles = 2 hours 1,000 miles = ? hours 130 miles/1,000 miles = 2 hours/? hours 130/1000 = 2/ x

Cross Multiply. 130 * x = 2 * 1000 130 x = 2000

Divide both sides of the equation by 130 to solve for x . 130 x /130 = 2000/130 x = 15.38 hours

Use Algebra to verify the answer. Does 130/1000 = 2/15.38? 130/1000 = .13 2/15.38 is approximately .13

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→ → Ratios

Find here an unlimited supply of worksheets with simple word problems involving ratios, meant for 6th-8th grade math. In , the problems ask for a specific ratio (such as, " "). In , the problems are the same but the ratios are supposed to be simplified.

contains varied word problems, similar to these:

Options include choosing the number of problems, the amount of workspace, font size, a border around each problem, and more. The worksheets can be generated as PDF or html files.


Each worksheet is randomly generated and thus unique. The and is placed on the second page of the file.

You can generate the worksheets — both are easy to print. To get the PDF worksheet, simply push the button titled " " or " ". To get the worksheet in html format, push the button " " or " ". This has the advantage that you can save the worksheet directly from your browser (choose File → Save) and then in Word or other word processing program.

Sometimes the generated worksheet is not exactly what you want. Just try again! To get a different worksheet using the same options:



What is the ratio given in the word problem? (grade 6)

   
 

What is the ratio given in the word problem? (with harder numbers; grade 6)

   
 

Solve ratio word problems (grade 7)
 

   
 

Solve ratio word problems
(more workspace; grade 7)

   
 

Use the generator to make customized ratio worksheets. Experiment with the options to see what their effect is.

 
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Primary Grade Challenge Math cover

Primary Grade Challenge Math by Edward Zaccaro

A good book on problem solving with very varied word problems and strategies on how to solve problems. Includes chapters on: Sequences, Problem-solving, Money, Percents, Algebraic Thinking, Negative Numbers, Logic, Ratios, Probability, Measurements, Fractions, Division. Each chapter’s questions are broken down into four levels: easy, somewhat challenging, challenging, and very challenging.

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Proportion word problems

/4/8 , /3/x , /x/8 , /3/4 ,
/4/8 , /3/x , /x/8 , /3/4

It is very important to notice that if the ratio on the left is a ratio of number of liters of water to number of lemons, you have to do the same ratio on the right before you set them equal. 

/Number of liters of water/Number of liters of water
/3/x
/w/w

More interesting proportion word problems

Proportion word problem

/Length of shadow/Length of shadow
/7/14
/900/300/3/x/x/300/3/900
/900/300
/Time it takes/Time it takes
/2/10
/2/T
/900/300 , /3/x , /x/300

Check this site if you want to solve more proportion word problems.

Ratio word problems

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Ratio Word Problem Worksheets

We are delighted to share this set of extensively well-researched ratio word problem worksheets which will help students in grade 5 through grade 8 to grasp the basics of ratio calculations. These printable worksheets include simple theme-based ratio word problems, finding the ratio between two quantities, word problems that require children to find a part from the whole, part-to-part, a whole from the part, reading pictographs, bar graphs, and pie graphs. Click on the free icon to sample our worksheets.

Express in ratio: Read the themes

Express in ratio: Read the themes

Look at the vivid themes and answer the word problems in these 5th grade worksheets. Express in ratio and reduce it to the lowest term. Use the answer key to verify your responses.

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Find the ratio between two quantities

Find the ratio between two quantities

This set of well-researched ratio word problem pdf worksheets includes factual and educative real-life scenarios. Find the ratio between the two quantities. Express your answer in the simplest form.

Ratio word problems: Part-to-part

Ratio word problems: Part-to-part

Based on the data given in these colorful worksheets, read and answer the extremely engaging part-to-part ratio word problems that ensue. You have an option to download this set of worksheets in a single click.

Ratio word problems: A part from the whole

Ratio word problems: A part from the whole

This collection of ratio word problems printable worksheets will require 6th grade and 7th grade students to find the parts from the given ratio and the whole. Set up the simple equation and solve the word problems.

Ratio word problems: The whole from the part

Ratio word problems: The whole from the part

Based on one part of the number and the ratio provided in these word problems, the children need to find the share of the other part and the whole. There are five word problems in each worksheet.

Ratio word problems: Mixed bag

Ratio word problems: Mixed bag

This set of assorted word problems for 7th grade and 8th grade students contains a mix of finding part-to-part, part-to-whole, and finding the ratio. Some word problems may require you to find the ratio based on the increase or decrease in quantity and vice versa.

Finding the Ratio from Pictographs

Finding the Ratio from Pictographs

Use the key to find the total of each item. Read the pictograph and answer the word problems. The word problems are based on finding ratio between the quantities. Do not forget to reduce the ratio to the lowest term.

Finding the Ratio from Bar Graphs

Finding the Ratio from Bar Graphs

The data provided in these bar graphs are borrowed from real-life scenarios. Read the bar graphs and write the ratio in the simplest form.

Finding the Ratio from Pie Graphs

Finding the Ratio from Pie Graphs

The printable worksheet pdfs in this section contain ratio word problems based on pie graphs. Read the pie graph, find the ratio and solve the word problems.

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Writing and Solving Proportions Word Problems with Answer KEY EASIER version

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You will LOVE this Writing and Solving Proportions Word Problems with Answer KEY (easier version), 2 page worksheet that provides GREAT practice for students to read a word problem, decide what two things they are comparing, writing & setting up the proportion, and solving the proportion. There is space for students to write the word ratio of what they're comparing, the proportional setup to solve, and a place for the answer with label. Handwritten ANSWER KEY included! You'll want to use this year after year! PLEASE NOTE*** This is the EASIER version worksheet, where every problem has a left to right relationship shown.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE THE VERSION THAT INCLUDES DIGITAL CLICK HERE:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/DIGITAL-Writing-and-Solving-Proportions-Word-Problems-Answer-KEY-EASIER-version-6290517

I also have a set for sale, that is a little MORE DIFFICULT, in that the proportions don't have an immediate left to right relationship shown. Students will have to either simplify the first ratio, then look for a left to right relationship to solve, or cross-multiply and divide. I use both sets in my classroom, to differentiate; based on my students' needs.

Be sure to L@@K at my other 1,285+ TERRIFIC teaching resources!

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Proportion Word Problem Worksheets

How to Determine a Proportion? In mathematical form a proportion flows in this manner = : : We place this sign among two ratios for example, 16:24 : : 20:30 -> (a) What does the proportion exactly mean? If you have two equivalent ratios, it means they are in proportion. Is the equation (a) in proportion or not? For R.H.S; 16/24 (simplify form), both comes in table of 2. The value will be 16/24 = 8/12 and again use 2 for division like this 8/12 = 4/6 and again, you will divide it by the table of 2 and the answer will be 2/3. 16:24 = 2:3. For L.H.S; 20:30 = 20/30 = 2/3. The ratio will be 2:3. R.H.S = L.H.S: 16:24 : : 20: 30 2:3 2:3 Hence, these ratios are equivalent, and that is why it will be correct if we say they both ratios are in proportion.

Basic Lesson

Demonstrates how to outline Proportion Word Problems. Example: A RATIO is two (often different) things compared to each other, like 3 dollars per gallon. A PROPORTION is when you have two ratios set to be equal to each other.

Intermediate Lesson

Uses slightly larger sentences and numbers than the basic lesson. Example: A child can run at a rate of 4 1/2 blocks per minutes. How long does it take the child to run 9 blocks? The child run at rate 4 1/2 block per minutes. The child can run for 9 blocks in 9 / (4 1/2 ) = 2 The child run 9 blocks in 2 minutes.

Independent Practice 1

Contains a series of 20 Proportion Word Problems. The answers can be found below. Example: Jack and Jill went up the hill to pick apples and pears. Jack picked 10 apples and 15 pears. Jill picked 20 apples and some pears. The ratio of apples to pears picked by both Jack and Jill were the same. Determine how many pears Jill picked.

Independent Practice 2

Features 20 Proportion Word Problems. Example: Two angles of a triangle are in the ratio of 3 : 5. The difference of the angles is 30 degrees. Find the number of degrees in the largest angle in the triangle.

Homework Worksheet

12 word problems for students to work on at home. An example problem is provided and explained. Example: Coffee is made from two types of beans, from Java and Columbia in the ration 2:3. How much of each type of bean will be needed to make 500 grams of coffee?

10 Proportion Word Problems. A math scoring matrix is included. Example: If the ratio of football players to volley ball players at the high school is 4 : 1 and there are 70 football and volley players, how many volleyball player are there?

Homework and Quiz Answer Key

Answers for the homework and quiz.

Answers for the lesson and practice sheets.

Sport Car Proportions

The Koenigsegg One:1 Megacar is one of the wildest proprtion based products on the planet. It is called the One:1 because there is one horsepower for every kilogram of weight the car possesses. This super car has a top speed of 248 miles per hour and delivers 1,340 horse power. It might be a bit pricey though at $2.85 million US Dollars.

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Ratio word problems

Ratios, Proportions and Problem Solving Workbook

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Use ratios to solve these word problems

Students can use simple ratios to solve these word problems ; the arithmetic is kept simple so as to focus on the understanding of the use of ratios.

solving proportions word problems answer key

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WORD PROBLEMS ON RATIO AND PROPORTION

Problem 1 :

The average age of three boys is 25 years and their ages are in the proportion 3 : 5 : 7. Find the age of the youngest boy.

From the ratio 3 : 5 : 7, the ages of three boys are 3x, 5x and 7x.

Average age of three boys = 25

(3x + 5x + 7x)/3 = 25

Age of the first boy = 3x

Age of the first boy = 5x

Age of the first boy = 7x

So, the age of the youngest boy is 15 years.

Problem 2 :

John weighs 56.7 kilograms. If he is going to reduce his weight in the ratio 7 : 6, find his new weight.

Given :  Original weight of John = 56.7 kg. He is going to reduce his weight in the ratio 7:6.

We can use the following hint to find his new weight, after it is reduced in the ratio 7 : 6.

solving proportions word problems answer key

His new weight is

= (6  ⋅  56.7)/7

So, John's new weight is 48.6 kg.

Problem 3 :

The ratio of the no. of boys to the no. of girls in a school of 720 students is 3 : 5. If 18 new girls are admitted in the school, find how many new boys may be admitted so that the ratio of the no. of boys to the no. of girls may change to 2 : 3.

Sum of the terms in the given ratio is

So, no. of boys in the school is

= 720  ⋅  (3/8)

= 270 

No. of girls in the school is

= 720  ⋅  (5/8) 

Given : Number of new girls admitted in the school is 18.

Let x be the no. of new boys admitted in the school.

After the above new admissions,

No. of boys in the school = 270 + x

No. of girls in the school = 450 + 18 = 468

Given : The ratio after the new admission is 2 : 3.

Then, we have

(270 + x) : 468 = 2 : 3

Use cross product rule.

3(270 + x) = 468  ⋅  2

810 + 3x = 936

So, the number of new boys admitted in the school is 42.

Problem 4 :

The monthly incomes of two persons are in the ratio 4 : 5 and their monthly expenditures are in the ratio 7 : 9. If each saves $50 per month, find the monthly income of the second person.

From the given ratio of incomes ( 4 : 5 ),

Income of the 1st person = 4x

Income of the 2nd person = 5x

(Expenditure  =  Income - Savings)

Then, expenditure of the 1st person = 4x - 50

Expenditure of the 2nd person = 5x - 50

Expenditure ratio = 7 : 9 (given)

So, we have

(4x - 50) : (5x - 50) = 7 : 9

9(4x - 50) = 7(5x - 50)

36x - 450 = 35x - 350

Then, the income  of the second person is

So, income of the second person is $500.

Problem 5 :

The ratio of the prices of two houses was 16 : 23. Two years later when the price of the first has increased by 10% and that of the second by $477, the ratio of the prices becomes 11 : 20. Find the original price of the first house.

From the given ratio 16 : 23,

Original price of the 1st house = 16x

Original price of the 2nd house = 23x

After increment in prices,

Price of the 1st house = 16x + 10% of 16x 

= 16x + 1.6x

Price of the 2nd house = 23x + 477

After increment in prices, the ratio of prices becomes 11:20.

17.6x : (23x + 477) = 11 : 20

20(17.6x) = 11(23x + 477)

352x = 253x + 5247

Then, original price of the first house is

So, original price of the first house is $848.

Problem 6 :

Two numbers are respectively 20% and 50% are more than a third number, Find the ratio of the two numbers.

Let x be the third number.

Then, the first number is

= (100 + 20)% of x

= 120% of x

The second number is

= (100 + 50)% of x

= 150% of x

The ratio between the first number and second number is

= 1.2x : 1.5x

= 1.2 : 1.5

So, the ratio of two numbers is 4 : 5.

Problem 7 :

The milk and water in two vessels A and B are in the ratio 4:3 and 2:3 respectively. In what ratio, the liquids in both the vessels be mixed to obtain a new mixture in vessel C consisting half milk and half water ?    

[4 : 3 ----> 4 + 3 = 7, M ----> 4/7, W ----> 3/7]

Let x be the quantity of mixture taken from vessel A to obtain a new mixture in vessel C.

Quantity of milk in x = (4/7)x = 4x/7

Quantity of water in x = (3/7)x = 3x/7

[2 : 3 ----> 2 + 3 = 5, M ---> 2/5, W ----> 3/5]

Let y be the quantity of mixture taken from vessel B to obtain a new mixture in vessel C.

Quantity of milk in y = (2/5)y = 2y/5

Quantity of water in y = (3/5)y = 3y/5

Vessel A and B :

Quantity of milk from A and B is

= 4x/7 + 2y/5

= (20x + 14y)/35

Quantity of water from A and B is

= (3x/7) + (3y/5)

= (15x + 21y)/35

According to the question, vessel C must consist half of the milk and half of the water.

That is, in vessel C, quantity of milk and water must be same.

There fore,

quantity of milk in (A + B) = quantity of water in (A + B)

(20x + 14y)/35 = (15x + 21y)/35

20x + 14y = 15x + 21y

x : y = 7 : 5

So, the required ratio is 7 : 5.

Problem 8 :

A vessel contains 20 liters of a mixture of milk and water in the ratio 3:2. From the vessel, 10 liters of the mixture is removed  and replaced with an equal quantity of pure milk. Find the ratio of milk and water in the final mixture obtained.    

[3 : 2 ----> 3 + 2 = 5, M ----> 3/5, W ----> 2/5]

In 20 liters of mixture,

no. of liters of milk = 20  ⋅  3/5 = 12

no. of liters of water = 20  ⋅  2/5 = 8

Now, 10 liters of mixture removed.

In this 10 liters of mixture, milk and water will be in the ratio 3 : 2.

no. of liters of milk in this 10 liters = 10  ⋅  3/5 = 6

no. of liters of water in this 10 liters = 10  ⋅  2/5 = 4

After removing 10 liters (1st time),

no. of liters of milk in the vessel = 12 - 6 = 6

no. of liters of water in the vessel = 8 - 4 = 4

Now,  we add 10 liters of pure milk in the vessel,

After adding 10 liters of pure milk in the vessel,

no. of liters of milk in the vessel = 6 + 10 = 16

no. of liters of water in the vessel = 4 + 0 = 4

After removing 10 liters of mixture and adding 10 liters of pure milk, the ratio of milk and water is

So, the required ratio is 4 : 1.

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Mastering Proportion Word Problems: A Step-by-Step Guide

  • Author: Noreen Niazi
  • Last Updated on: March 28, 2024

Mastering Proportion Word Problems: A Step-by-Step Guide

Proportion can be defined as equations that shows two ratios are equivalent to each other’s.  Either you are cooking something, or you are measuring anything, you often need concept of the proportion.  Daily use and practical applications developed many proportion word problems.  Here in this post, I will discuss some effective methods to solve proportion word problems and also gives there practical usage. 

Let’s dive into what is proportion and how to solve proportion word problems and solve top 20 proportion word problems in 2024.

Introduction to proportion word problems

Proportion word problems are a type of math problem that involves finding the relationship between two or more ratios. Ratios are a way of comparing two quantities or values. For example, if you have 4 red marbles and 6 blue marbles, the ratio of red to blue marbles is 4:6 or, simplified, 2:3. Proportion word problems often involve finding missing values in a ratio or comparing two ratios.

Understanding the concept of proportion

Before we dive into the steps to solve proportion word problems, it’s important to understand what proportion means. Proportion refers to the relationship between two or more ratios that are equal. In other words, if two ratios are proportional, they have the same value.

For example, if the ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3:5 and the ratio of students who brought lunch from home to those who bought lunch at school is 2:7, we can compare these two ratios to see if they are proportional. 

We can do this by cross-multiplying and simplifying the fractions. If the resulting fractions are equal, the ratios are proportional. In this case, the cross-products would be 3 times 7 and 5 times 2, simplifying to 21 and 10. Since 21/10 is equal to 3/5, the ratios are proportional.

Steps to solve proportion word problems

Now that we have a solid understanding of proportion, let’s break down the steps to solve proportion word problems:

  • Identify the ratios involved in the problem.
  • Determine if the ratios are proportional by cross-multiplying and simplifying.
  • If the ratios are proportional, use the cross-products to find the missing value(s).
  • If the ratios are not proportional, try to find a common multiple to make them proportional.
  • Use the cross-products to find the missing value(s) once the ratios are proportional.

Let’s walk through an example problem to see these steps in action.

Example Proportion Word problems with solutions

Example problem: A recipe for brownies calls for 2 cups of flour and 1 cup of sugar. If you want to make a double batch of brownies, how much sugar do you need?

  • Identify the ratios involved: 2 cups of flour to 1 cup of sugar.
  • Determine if the ratios are proportional: 2:1 and 4:? (since we want to double the recipe). Cross-multiplying gives us 2 times x = 1 times 4, or 2x = 4. Simplifying, we get x = 2. Since 2:1 and 4:2 are equal, the ratios are proportional.
  • Use the cross-products to find the missing value: 2 times 2 = 4. Therefore, we need 4 cups of sugar to make a double batch of brownies.

Common mistakes to avoid when solving proportion word problems

While the steps to solve proportion word problems may seem straightforward, there are some common mistakes to watch out for:

  • Need to simplify the ratios after cross-multiplying.
  • Using the wrong value for a ratio (for example, using 2 instead of 1/2).
  • Check if the ratios are proportional before using the cross-products.
  • Forgetting to label the units of measurement for the missing value.

By being mindful of these mistakes, you can confidently avoid errors and solve proportion word problems.

Tips to improve your proportion word problem-solving skills

In addition to avoiding common mistakes, there are some tips you can use to improve your proportion word problem-solving skills:

  • Practice, practice, practice! The more problems you solve, the more comfortable you will become with proportion.
  • Break down the problem into smaller parts. Sometimes it can be helpful to focus on one ratio at a time and combine them at the end.
  • Use diagrams or pictures to help visualize the problem.
  • Check your work! Double-check your calculations and make sure your answer makes sense in the context of the problem.

Practice problems for mastering proportion word problems

To help you practice and master proportion word problems, here are some sample problems to try:

  • A recipe for chocolate chip cookies calls for 2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. If you want to make a triple batch of cookies, how many chocolate chips do you need?
  • The ratio of boys to girls in a math class is 4:7. If there are 24 students, how many girls are there?
  • A map has a scale of 1 inch to 10 miles. If two cities on the map are 3 inches apart, how far are they in real life?

Resources for further practice and learning

If you’re looking for additional resources to practice and improve your proportion word problem-solving skills, here are some options:

  • Online practice problems and quizzes on websites like Khan Academy or Math Playground .
  • Math workbooks or textbooks with sections on proportion word problems.
  • Hiring a tutor or working with a classmate or teacher to get personalized help.

Real-life examples of proportion word problems

Proportion word problems can be found in a variety of real-life situations, such as:

  • Cooking and baking recipes that require adjusting ingredient amounts for different serving sizes.
  • Scaling maps or blueprints for construction or design projects.
  • Calculating proportions of ingredients in chemical reactions or solutions.

By understanding and mastering proportion word problems, you will be better equipped to handle these types of situations in your daily life.

Proportion word problems may seem intimidating initially, but with the right approach and practice, anyone can learn to solve them. By following the steps outlined in this guide, avoiding common mistakes, and using helpful tips and practice problems, you can improve your proportion word problem-solving skills and gain confidence in your mathematical abilities. So the next time you encounter a proportion word problem, don’t be intimidated – tackle it with the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from this guide.

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