RevTree
Back to skills
#336

Converting between ratios, fractions and percentages

Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change · Grade 4–6

Strand: Ratio, Proportion and Rates of Change Substrand: Ratio Sparx code: U176 Sparx levels: 1, 2, 3, 4

Key steps (method)

  • Write the ratio clearly and simplify it (divide all parts by the highest common factor).
  • If sharing a quantity, add the ratio parts to get the total number of parts.
  • Find the value of 1 part by dividing the total by the number of parts.
  • Multiply to find each share.
  • Check the shares add back to the original total.

Common mistakes

  • Not simplifying the ratio before using it.
  • Forgetting to add the parts before dividing.
  • Mixing up which person/item gets which number of parts.

Quick notes

  • If you get stuck, try a simpler version of the problem first or plug in easy numbers to test your method.
  • For multi-step questions, label each step and keep intermediate results.
  • For exam questions, always aim to make your work “mark-scheme readable”.

Self-assessment

  • Can I define it? Write a one-sentence definition of Converting between ratios, fractions and percentages (or the key term in the question).
  • Can I do it? Do 3 questions: one easy, one standard, one harder. Don’t look at notes until you’ve tried.
  • Can I explain it? In 2–3 sentences, explain why the method works (or what would go wrong with a common mistake).
  • Can I check it? State one quick check (estimate, units, sign, reasonableness).

Support videos

Notes