Year 6 Ratio & Proportion

Simplify ratios; share amounts in a given ratio; use scale factors and interpret map scales.

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

Worked examples

RookieRead and interpret directly.

If the ratio of cats to dogs is 1:4, and there are 5 cats, how many DOGS?

  • 20
  • 5
  • 4
  • 1

Answer: 20. 5 × 4 = 20.

ProCompare and infer.

Tom has £12 and Harry has £8. What is the ratio of Tom's money to Harry's in its simplest form?

  • 12:8
  • 3:2
  • 2:3
  • 6:4

Answer: 3:2. 12:8 — divide both by 4 (the HCF): 12 ÷ 4 = 3, 8 ÷ 4 = 2. Ratio = 3:2.

GuruMulti-step reasoning.

Why is the ratio 8:12 the same as the fraction 2/3 (in some senses) BUT not identical?

  • 8:12 simplifies to 2:3 (a ratio of two parts), and 2/3 is the SHARE OF THE WHOLE the smaller part represents — different uses.
  • They're identical.
  • Coincidence.
  • Vague.

Answer: 8:12 simplifies to 2:3 (a ratio of two parts), and 2/3 is the SHARE OF THE WHOLE the smaller part represents — different uses.. Ratio = parts; fraction = part of whole.

Skills in this topic

Frequently asked questions

What is covered in Year 6 Ratio & Proportion?
Simplify ratios; share amounts in a given ratio; use scale factors and interpret map scales. Key skills include Simplifying Ratios, Sharing In Ratio, Proportion, Map Scales.

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