Understanding ratios is like having a special tool in Year 11 Maths. They help us break down tricky problems into smaller, easier parts. Here’s how they make problem-solving simpler:

1. What Are Ratios?

• Defining a Ratio: A ratio shows the relationship between two or more amounts. For example, if there are 3 boys and 2 girls in a class, we can say the ratio of boys to girls is 3:2.
• Parts of a Ratio: Each number in a ratio shows a part of a whole. So, if you see a ratio like 4:1, it means for every 4 of one part, there is 1 of another part.

2. Making Ratios Simpler:

• Simplifying a ratio means dividing both parts by the same number. For example, if you have the ratio 8:4, you can simplify it to 2:1. This makes math problems easier to handle.

3. Using Ratios to Solve Problems:

• Ratios are useful in many situations, like adjusting recipes or changing measurements. If a recipe for 12 cookies calls for a sugar-to-flour ratio of 2:3, you can double the recipe to make 30 cookies while keeping the same ratio.
• Ratios also help us find missing amounts. If you know a mixture has a ratio of 1:4 and you have 5 parts total, you can easily figure out how much of each part you need.

By getting good at ratios, Year 11 students can handle all kinds of math problems confidently!