P6 Forming and simplifying ratios
Today’s problem — free all day, every step. Every day has one.
Red and blue beads — 24 and 32
There are 24 red beads and 32 blue beads. Write the ratio of red beads to blue beads.
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24 : 32 (equivalently 3 : 4)
The pattern behind it: Forming and simplifying ratios
Keep the quantities in order and divide both by the same number.
In this one. The order in the question matters: red first, blue second. Both quantities count beads, so they already use the same unit.
How to spot it
The question names two quantities in a stated order, red to blue, or gives an existing ratio to reduce. Words like 'ratio' and 'simplest form' give it away.
Common mistake
Children write the numbers in the order they appear in the story rather than the order the question asks for. When simplifying, they divide only one of the two numbers instead of both.
Try one like it
Standard Red and blue beads — 18 and 24 There are 18 red beads and 24 blue beads. Write the ratio of red beads to blue beads.The 33 problem patterns
All 33 patterns, one to a page — the 19 behind Primary 5 and 6 word problems, and the skills the younger years are built on. The bar model, how to spot it in the question, and the mistake children make. A booklet you can print. Free.
A PDF, and a note when new solutions go up.