Year 5 Ratio & Proportion

Simplify ratios, scale recipes, and share a total in a given ratio.

Try the worked examples below, then start an adaptive session that adjusts to your level.

Worked examples

RookieRead and interpret directly.

In a class there are 12 boys and 8 girls. Write the ratio of boys to girls in its simplest form.

  • 12 : 8
  • 3 : 2
  • 2 : 3
  • 6 : 4

Answer: 3 : 2. Divide both sides by the highest common factor of 12 and 8, which is 4. 12 ÷ 4 = 3, 8 ÷ 4 = 2, so the ratio is 3 : 2.

ProCompare and infer.

A recipe uses flour and sugar in a ratio of 5 : 2. If you use 250 g of flour, how much sugar do you need?

  • 100 g
  • 125 g
  • 150 g
  • 500 g

Answer: 100 g. One 'part' of flour = 250 ÷ 5 = 50 g. Sugar is 2 parts, so 2 × 50 = 100 g of sugar.

GuruMulti-step reasoning.

Why isn't a ratio of 2:3 the same as the fraction 2/3?

  • 2:3 = part:part; 2/3 = part:whole.
  • They are the same.
  • Ratios are bigger.
  • Random.

Answer: 2:3 = part:part; 2/3 = part:whole.. Different meaning.

Skills in this topic

Frequently asked questions

What is covered in Year 5 Ratio & Proportion?
Simplify ratios, scale recipes, and share a total in a given ratio. Key skills include Simplify Ratio, Scale Ratio From One Side, Share In Ratio.

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