Ratios Math Example 1

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 1

easy
A recipe calls for 3 cups of flour and 2 cups of sugar. What is the ratio of flour to sugar, and how much sugar is needed for 12 cups of flour?

Solution

  1. 1
    The ratio of flour to sugar is 3:23 : 2.
  2. 2
    Set up the proportion: 32=12x\frac{3}{2} = \frac{12}{x}.
  3. 3
    Cross-multiply: 3x=243x = 24, so x=8x = 8.

Answer

8 cups of sugar8 \text{ cups of sugar}
A ratio compares two quantities. To scale a ratio, you can set up a proportion and cross-multiply to find the unknown value.

About Ratios

A ratio compares two or more quantities by showing how many times one contains the other, written as a:ba:b or ab\frac{a}{b}. Unlike fractions, ratios can compare parts to parts, not just parts to wholes.

Learn more about Ratios →

More Ratios Examples

Example 2 medium

The ratio of boys to girls in a class is [formula]. If there are 40 students total, how many boys an

Example 3 easy

Simplify the ratio [formula].

Example 4 hard

A map uses the scale [formula]. Two towns are [formula] cm apart on the map. What is the actual dist

Example 5 medium

A recipe uses flour and sugar in a 5:2 ratio. If you use 15 cups of flour, how much sugar do you nee

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