Think in parts
If two amounts are in the ratio 3:5, treat them as 3 parts and 5 parts. Total parts = 8, so each part is one-eighth of the total. Most problems are solved by finding the value of one part.
Worked examples
Example 1. Divide 1,200 in the ratio 3:5. One part = 1,200 ÷ 8 = 150. The shares are 450 and 750.
Example 2. If 4 pens cost 60, then 7 pens cost 60 ÷ 4 × 7 = 105.
Related practice
Ratios appear in average and time and work problems. For an exam application, see the MAT quantitative section.
