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Learning Goal: Learn what a ratio is and how to describe a relationship between two amounts using ratio language.

Vocabulary

ratioA way to compare two amounts. Example: 3 cats to 2 dogs.
termOne of the two numbers being compared in a ratio.
part-to-partA ratio that compares one group to another group, like boys to girls.
part-to-wholeA ratio that compares one group to the total, like boys to all students.

What You Need to Know

  • A ratio compares two amounts. You can write it 3 ways: 3 to 2, 3:2, or 3/2.
  • Order matters. The ratio 3:2 is not the same as 2:3.
  • Part-to-part compares two groups (red marbles to blue marbles).
  • Part-to-whole compares one group to the total (red marbles to all marbles).
  • If there are 4 red and 5 blue marbles, there are 9 in all. Red to total is 4:9.
  • Always include the units or labels when you describe a ratio in words.

Worked Example I Do — watch how it works

A fruit bowl has 6 apples and 4 oranges. Write the ratio of apples to oranges, and the ratio of apples to all fruit.
  1. Step 1. Count each group: 6 apples and 4 oranges.
  2. Step 2. Apples to oranges is a part-to-part ratio: 6 to 4, or 6:4.
  3. Step 3. Find the total: 6 + 4 = 10 pieces of fruit.
  4. Step 4. Apples to all fruit is a part-to-whole ratio: 6 to 10, or 6:10.
Answer: Apples to oranges = 6:4. Apples to all fruit = 6:10.

Guided Practice We Do — try it together

  1. 1. A team has 7 forwards and 5 defenders. Write the ratio of forwards to defenders.
    💡 Hint: Write the first amount first. Forwards come first.
  2. 2. A box has 3 red pens and 8 blue pens. Write the ratio of red pens to all pens.
    💡 Hint: Add to get the total first: 3 + 8.
  3. 3. In a class there are 9 boys and 12 girls. Write the ratio of girls to boys.
    💡 Hint: Girls come first, so write 12 first.

Independent Practice You Do — show your work

  1. 1. A garden has 5 roses and 8 tulips. Write the ratio of roses to tulips.
  2. 2. A snack mix has 10 peanuts and 6 raisins. Write the ratio of raisins to peanuts.
  3. 3. A bag has 4 green and 7 yellow markers. Write the ratio of green markers to all markers.
  4. 4. A parking lot has 15 cars and 5 trucks. Write the ratio of trucks to all vehicles.
  5. 5. True or false: the ratio 2:5 means the same thing as 5:2.

MCAP-Style Practice

Directions: Answer each item the way you would on the MCAP. For selected-response items, fill in the circle (○) next to the correct answer. For constructed-response items, enter your answer and show your work. Every item below assesses standard 6.RP.A.1.
Item 1Selected Response6.RP.A.1

A tank has 8 goldfish and 3 guppies. What is the ratio of guppies to goldfish?

Select the correct answer.

Item 2Selected Response6.RP.A.1

A choir has 6 sopranos and 9 altos. Which statement is correct?

Select the correct answer.

Item 3Constructed Response6.RP.A.1

A bowl has 5 limes and 7 lemons. Write the ratio of lemons to limes using a colon.

Enter your answer in the space provided. Show your work.

Enter your answer:
Teacher Answer Key (click to show)
Independent 15:8
Independent 26:10
Independent 34:11
Independent 45:20
Independent 5False (order matters)
Item 1 · 6.RP.A.1B — Guppies come first (3), then goldfish (8).
Item 2 · 6.RP.A.1B — Total is 6+9=15, so altos to total is 9:15.
Item 3 · 6.RP.A.17:5 — Lemons (7) first, then limes (5).
Neft Teacher · Grade 6 MCAP Mathematics Review · Standard 6.RP.A.1