Solve Word Problems Involving Ratio

In this activity, we will use what we know about ratio to solve word problems. 

 

Example

A tennis player wins and loses matches in the ratio 7:3

If she has lost 15 matches, how many has she won?

 

 

Method

The first thing we know about ratio is that the order of the ratio must follow the sentence.

 

win: lose

7:3

 

We are told that 15 matches have been lost.

 

 

Let's look at what we multiplied 3 by to get to 15

 

 

3 x 5 = 15 and 15 ÷ 3 = 5

 

Therefore, if we multiply 7 by 5 we should be able to work out the number of wins.

 

 

So, she has won 35 matches.

 

 

Does that make sense?

 

Let's try some more like this!