Understanding Ratios and Fractions

This lesson explores the similarities and differences between ratios and fractions. It explains how ratios can be expressed in fraction notation and highlights the distinction between part-to-part and part-to-total ratios. The lesson uses examples and pictures to clarify these concepts, emphasizing that not all ratios are fractions. Part-to-total ratios can be considered fractions, while part-to-part ratios cannot. The lesson concludes by advising the use of units to avoid confusion when writing part-to-part ratios.

What is an example of a part to part ratio?

• One out of four parts of a whole

• Three blue slices out of eight total slices

• One pink sweater for every five sweaters

• Two eggs for every three cups of flour

Which of the following best describes a fraction?

• A comparison of two different quantities

• A part of a total or whole

• A ratio of two unrelated items

• A number greater than one

Why is the ratio 3:8 considered a fraction?

• Because it compares two different items

• Because it uses a colon

• Because it represents a part to part relationship

• Because it describes a part of a total

What is the main reason the ratio 3:5 is not a fraction?

• It is written with a colon

• It uses a fraction bar

• It compares parts of a whole

• It does not represent a part of a total

How can you clarify that a part to part ratio is not a fraction?

• By writing it as a decimal

• By using a colon

• By including units in the description

• By using a fraction bar