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Ratio questions are a common feature in GCSE Maths, and they often appear in real-life contexts such as sharing money, dividing resources, or mixing ingredients. Let’s explore a typical example involving three friends—Harry, Regan, and Kelan—who need to share £450 in a given ratio.
The Problem
Harry, Regan, and Kelan share £450 in the ratio 2 : 5 : 3. The question is: How much money does Kelan get?
Step 1: Understanding the Ratio
The ratio 2 : 5 : 3 tells us how the total amount (£450) should be split between the three people. For every 2 parts Harry gets, Regan gets 5 parts, and Kelan gets 3 parts.
Step 2: Calculating the Total Number of Parts
Add up the parts in the ratio:
2 + 5 + 3 = 10 \text{ parts}
Step 3: Finding the Value of One Part
Divide the total amount by the total number of parts:
\text{Value of one part} = \frac{£450}{10} = £45
Step 4: Calculating Kelan’s Share
Kelan’s share is 3 parts:
\text{Kelan’s share} = 3 \times £45 = £135
Step 5: Final Answer
Kelan gets £135.
Why Ratio Questions Matter
Understanding how to divide amounts in a given ratio is a vital skill, not just for exams but for everyday life. Whether you’re splitting a bill, sharing a prize, or dividing up tasks, ratios help ensure fairness and accuracy. If you find these questions tricky, working with a Tutor for GCSE Maths can help you build confidence and master the techniques needed to solve them quickly and accurately.
Conclusion
Whenever you encounter a ratio problem:
- Add up the parts,
- Divide the total by the number of parts to find the value of one part,
- Multiply by the number of parts needed.
With practice, ratio questions become straightforward and even enjoyable. Keep practising, and you’ll be ready for any ratio challenge that comes your way!
