Grade: 5 Subject: SAT/ACT Skills Unit: Ratios Introduction SAT Math: Problem Solving + Data Analysis ACT Section: Math

Ratio Question Types

Learn to recognize the four main types of ratio questions you will see on standardized tests and master strategies for each.

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On the SAT and ACT, ratio questions come in different forms. Learning to quickly identify the question type helps you choose the right strategy and solve problems faster.

The Four Main Ratio Question Types

Most ratio questions on standardized tests fall into one of these four categories:

  1. Part-to-Part Ratios - Comparing two parts of a whole
  2. Part-to-Whole Ratios - Comparing one part to the total
  3. Equivalent Ratios - Finding matching ratios
  4. Scaling Problems - Using ratios to find unknown quantities

Understanding Each Question Type

Type 1: Part-to-Part

These questions compare two different parts of a group to each other.

Signal words: "ratio of A to B", "for every X there are Y", "compared to"
Type 2: Part-to-Whole

These questions compare one part to the total of all parts.

Signal words: "out of", "fraction of total", "what part of"
Type 3: Equivalent Ratios

These questions ask you to find a ratio that equals another ratio.

Signal words: "equivalent to", "same as", "simplify", "which ratio equals"
Type 4: Scaling Problems

These questions give you a ratio and one real value, then ask you to find another value.

Signal words: "if there are X, how many Y", "at this rate", "scale"
Test-Taking Tip: Before solving any ratio problem, take 5 seconds to identify the question type. This helps you pick the right strategy and avoid common traps!

Strategy for Each Type

Type 1: Part-to-Part Strategy

  1. Identify which two things are being compared
  2. Write the ratio in the correct order (first thing : second thing)
  3. Simplify if needed by dividing both numbers by their GCF

Type 2: Part-to-Whole Strategy

  1. Identify the part being asked about
  2. Calculate the total by adding all parts
  3. Write the ratio as part : total
  4. Simplify if needed

Type 3: Equivalent Ratios Strategy

  1. Simplify the given ratio to lowest terms
  2. Check each answer choice by simplifying it
  3. The correct answer simplifies to the same ratio

Type 4: Scaling Strategy

  1. Set up a ratio table with the given ratio
  2. Find the multiplier (what number connects the known values?)
  3. Apply the same multiplier to find the unknown value

Worked Examples

1 Part-to-Part Ratio Type 1
A bag contains 8 red marbles and 12 blue marbles. What is the ratio of red marbles to blue marbles in simplest form?
1
Identify what is being compared

Red marbles (8) compared to blue marbles (12)

2
Write the ratio in correct order
8 : 12
3
Find the GCF and simplify

GCF of 8 and 12 is 4

8 / 4 = 2
12 / 4 = 3
The ratio of red to blue marbles is 2:3
2 Part-to-Whole Ratio Type 2
In a class of 30 students, 18 are girls. What is the ratio of girls to total students?
1
Identify the part and the whole

Part: 18 girls | Whole: 30 total students

2
Write the ratio (part to whole)
18 : 30
3
Simplify by dividing by GCF (6)
18 / 6 = 3
30 / 6 = 5
The ratio of girls to total students is 3:5
3 Equivalent Ratios Type 3
Which ratio is equivalent to 6:9?
A) 3:4   B) 2:3   C) 4:6   D) 9:6
1
Simplify the given ratio

6:9 - GCF is 3

6 / 3 = 2, 9 / 3 = 3

Simplified: 2:3

2
Check each answer

A) 3:4 - already simplified, not 2:3

B) 2:3 - matches!

C) 4:6 simplifies to 2:3 - also matches!

D) 9:6 simplifies to 3:2 - reversed, not equivalent

Both B (2:3) and C (4:6) are equivalent to 6:9
4 Scaling Problem Type 4
The ratio of teachers to students at a school is 1:15. If there are 45 students, how many teachers are there?
1
Set up the ratio

Teachers : Students = 1 : 15

2
Find the multiplier

Students went from 15 to 45

15 x ? = 45
15 x 3 = 45

Multiplier = 3

3
Apply multiplier to find teachers
1 x 3 = 3
There are 3 teachers

Practice

Identify the question type and solve each problem. Select your answer and click "Check Answer".

1 Identify the Type

A recipe uses 3 cups of flour for every 2 cups of sugar. If you use 6 cups of sugar, how much flour do you need?

2 Part-to-Whole

A team has 5 boys and 7 girls. What is the ratio of boys to total team members in simplest form?

3 Equivalent Ratios

Which ratio is NOT equivalent to 4:6?

4 Part-to-Part

A garden has 15 roses and 20 tulips. What is the ratio of roses to tulips in simplest form?

5 Scaling

The ratio of cats to dogs at a pet store is 2:5. If there are 20 dogs, how many cats are there?

6 Part-to-Whole

In a jar of 40 candies, 24 are chocolate. What is the ratio of chocolate candies to total candies?

7 Scaling

On a map, 3 cm represents 15 km. If two cities are 9 cm apart on the map, what is the actual distance?

8 Equivalent Ratios

The ratio 15:25 is equivalent to which of the following?

Check Your Understanding: Question Type Challenge

Can you identify the question type AND solve the problem? Test your skills with this 8-question challenge!

Question Type Challenge
Score: 0/8 Q: 1/8
Type 1

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Challenge Complete!

0/8

Next Steps

  • Practice identifying question types before solving - this becomes faster with practice
  • Create flashcards with signal words for each type
  • When stuck, ask yourself: "Am I comparing parts, finding a total, or scaling?"
  • Move on to the Timed Drill when you can quickly identify all four types
SAT/ACT Test Tip: On test day, quickly labeling each ratio problem by type can save you valuable time. Write "P-P" for part-to-part, "P-W" for part-to-whole, "EQ" for equivalent, or "SC" for scaling right next to the problem!