Ratio, rates and proportion

Junior High 6 questions

What ratio, rates and proportion means

You learn how to split amounts fairly and compare one quantity with another. You also work out simple rates such as speed, which helps you solve everyday word problems with money, time and distance.

What you will practise

Find the total number of parts in a ratio
Share money or objects in the given ratio
Simplify ratios by dividing by a common factor
Calculate speed from distance and time
Use proportion to compare matching quantities

Before you start

You should already be able to divide whole numbers and multiply and simplify basic fractions. It also helps if you can read simple word problems carefully and pick out the important numbers.

Worked example

One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.

Question

Share GH₵120 between Ama and Kofi in the ratio 3:2. How much does Ama get?

GH₵48
GH₵60
GH₵72
GH₵80

Answer: GH₵72

Working: Total parts = 3 + 2 = 5. One part = 120 ÷ 5 = GH₵24. Ama gets 3 × 24 = GH₵72.

Common mistakes to avoid

Adding the ratio numbers correctly but forgetting to divide the total into equal parts first.
Using subtraction instead of division when finding one part of a ratio.
Mixing up distance, time and speed in rate problems.
Stopping after one calculation without checking if the answer matches the question.

Curriculum and exam alignment

Ghana GES Basic 7 to 9 syllabusBECE

This topic normally appears in Junior High School number work, where learners build skills in sharing, comparing and solving practical measurement problems. It supports the kind of reasoning often needed for BECE questions on ratios, rates and proportion.

Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.