RATIO AND PROPORTION

Equivalent Ratios

Learn the reliable method for equivalent ratios, then apply it to 11+ exam-style questions.

1 · WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The idea

Equivalent ratios preserve the same multiplicative relationship.

Picture itCompare each group in the same order
Bowls, fruit, scales and a measuring jug showing ratio and measurement in baking
2 · THE METHOD

Follow these steps

  1. Identify the scale factor between matching terms.
  2. Apply the same factor to every term.
  3. Check by simplifying both ratios.
one share = total ÷ sum of ratio parts
3 · WORKED EXAMPLES

See the method in action

Example 1

Which ratio is equivalent to 3:5?

  1. Multiply both parts of 3:5 by 4 to get 12:20.
Answer: 12:20
Example 2

A drink contains squash and water in the ratio 4:7. It contains 600 ml of squash. What is the total volume of the drink?

  1. Each part is 150 ml.
  2. There are 11 parts altogether, giving 1650 ml.
Answer: 1650 ml
4 · ELEVENSPRINT TIP

A useful shortcut

Check by simplifying both ratios.

5 · COMMON MISTAKES

Watch out for these

6 · TRY IT YOURSELF

Three fresh questions

Ready to check the method? You will get three fresh, validated questions.