Mathematical Ratios

Like percentages, RATIOS are also used to express the proportionate sizes of items in relation to others. They are usually denoted by the symbol (:) to show the relationship of one item to the other in terms of size, etc.

The following examples will help to demonstrate how to sole ratio questions.

Question 1

A man shares a sum of $24,000 for his three kids in the ratio 2:1:3

Calculate how much each gets.

Solution

Given that sharing ratio    = 2:1:3

Total ratio                    = 2+1+3 = 6

The first gets (2/6) of the sum, the second gets (1/6) of the sum and he first gets (3/6) of the sum

Thus, their respective shares are

First             (²/₆) * $24,000 = $8,000

Second     (¹/₆) * $24,000 =   $4,000

Third           (³/₆) * $24,000 =  $12,000