What a Ratio Is

Grade 6 · Ratios · Page 1 of 2

Name Date
DIRECTIONS: Write each ratio in the order the question names them. “To ALL the shapes” counts every shape.
A ratio compares, it does not count. 2:5 red to blue could be 7 counters or 70. Say it 2 to 5, 2:5 or 2 for every 5.
redblue
a tape diagram: red to blue is 2:5, and every box holds the same amount
Part A — Write the ratio each question asks for.
1.

circles to squares  
2.

squares to circles  
3.

circles to squares  
4.

circles to ALL the shapes  
5.

squares to ALL the shapes  
6.

circles to ALL the shapes  

What a Ratio Is — continued

Grade 6 · Ratios · Page 2 of 2

Part B — Use the tape. Total ÷ ALL the boxes = one box.
  1. A jar holds red and blue counters in the ratio 4:3, red to blue. There are 70 counters in all. How many are red?
    redblue  
  2. An animal shelter keeps cats and dogs in the ratio 2:3, cats to dogs. There are 50 animals altogether. How many are dogs?
    catsdogs  
  3. A chess club has girls and boys in the ratio 5:3, girls to boys. The club has 80 members. How many MORE girls than boys are there?
    girlsboys  
Part C — Explain it.
  1. At the pet store the ratio of dogs to cats is 4:3. Jordan copies it down as 3:4 — “same two numbers, same thing.” What has Jordan changed, and why does it matter?
  2. The ratio of red to blue marbles in a bag is 3:2. Mia says the bag must hold exactly 5 marbles. COULD she be right? MUST she be? Explain.