We can also use ratios for a different type of question (sometimes called a “proportion” question), where we know a total amount and want to share it out in a given ratio.

Here we still need first to find what “1 part” represents, but to find it we need to sum the two sides of the ratio and divide by this number.

Worked Example 1

Dasha and Masha share 40 sweets in the ratio 2:3. How many sweets does each of them receive?

Worked Example 2

Lasha and Sasha share $80 in the ratio 1:4. How much more money does Lasha get than Sasha?

Worked Example 3 (Combines both skills)

Tasha and Pasha share some money in the ratio 3:4. How much money does Tasha get if:

(a) There is $350 altogether?

(b) Pasha gets $350?

Exercise 1

Exercise 1 – Answers

Exercise 2

Exercise 2 – Answers

Exercise 3

Exercise 3 – Answers

Alternative Question Set

The answers are below: