Rate Word Problems

Front

What is a unit rate?

Back

A unit rate is a comparison of two different quantities where one of the quantities is expressed as a quantity of one. For example, if you can buy 3 apples for $1.20, the unit rate is $0.40 per apple.

Front

How do you find the unit rate?

Back

To find the unit rate, divide the total amount by the number of items. For example, if you have 6 gallons of gasoline that cost $15.00, the unit rate is $15.00 ÷ 6 = $2.50 per gallon.

Front

What is the formula to find the total cost using unit rate?

Back

Total Cost = Unit Rate × Number of Items. For example, if the unit rate is $0.40 per apple and you want to buy 10 apples, the total cost would be $0.40 × 10 = $4.00.

Front

If a store sees 120 customers in 8 hours, how do you find the expected number of customers in 5 hours?

Back

First, find the unit rate of customers per hour (120 customers ÷ 8 hours = 15 customers/hour). Then multiply by the number of hours (15 customers/hour × 5 hours = 75 customers).

Front

How do you compare two prices to find the better deal?

Back

Calculate the unit rate for each item. The item with the lower unit rate is the better deal. For example, if Oreos cost $2.98 for 15 oz, the unit rate is $2.98 ÷ 15 = $0.1993/oz. If Chips Ahoy cost $2.50 for 14 oz, the unit rate is $2.50 ÷ 14 = $0.1786/oz. Chips Ahoy is the better deal.

Front

What is the price per gallon if 6 gallons of gasoline cost $15.00?

Back

To find the price per gallon, divide the total cost by the number of gallons: $15.00 ÷ 6 gallons = $2.50 per gallon.

Front

What is a rate?

Back

A rate is a ratio that compares two different kinds of quantities, such as distance and time, or cost and quantity. For example, speed is a rate that compares distance traveled to time taken.

Front

How can you use unit rates in real-life situations?

Back

Unit rates can help you make informed decisions, such as comparing prices, calculating costs, or determining speeds. For example, knowing the price per ounce of food can help you choose the best value.

Front

What is the relationship between rates and proportions?

Back

Rates can be expressed as proportions, which are equations that show two ratios are equal. For example, if 3 apples cost $1.20, the proportion can be set up as 3 apples/1.20 dollars = x apples/y dollars.

Front

How do you solve a rate problem step-by-step?

Back

1. Identify the quantities involved. 2. Find the unit rate. 3. Use the unit rate to answer the question or solve for the unknown.