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Module 2 - Math

Unit 8

Unit 8 Ratios, Scale, and Proportions


2.8.0 Introduction In previous units, we have discussed various methods for measuring. This unit is about understanding the relationship between measurements. We use terms such as ratio, scale, and proportion to describe these relationships. Read the definitions below: Definitions: Ratio The relationship in quantity, amount, or size between two or more things. Scale An instrument used for measuring relative sizes from a drawing or representation. Proportion The relation of one part to another or to the whole with respect to magnitude, quantity, or degree.

2.8.1 Ratios A ratio is expressed as X:Y where X and Y are any two numbers, i.e., 1:3 or sometimes written as 1/3. An example would be to mix oil and gas in the ratio of 1 quart oil to 3 gallons of gas. What makes a ratio different from a fraction is that the units of the denominator (3 gallons) are often different from the numerator (1 quart). A proportion is when you use a ratio to solve other quantities such as how much oil you would use to make 9 gallons of gas. Solve for X: 1= X 3 9 Often, proportions do not come out to whole numbers. In any proportion, the product of the means is equal to the product of the extremes. We call this cross-multiplying. Example: 3 = 6 x 7

Module 2 - Math We use this often in everyday life.

Unit 8

A baseball player has 6 home runs during the first 18 games of the season. If he can keep this up, how many will he hit during the 45-game season? 6 18 Solution: 6 (45) = 18 x 270 = 18 x 270 = x 18 x = 15 2.8.2 Scale Scales are used in nearly every trade and industry profession. Architects and engineers use scales to accurately create drawings of the building or machinery they are designing. Because we cannot depict an entire building on a piece of paper, we use scales. Typical scales that we might see would be 1/4"= 1'-0", or 1/8" = 1'-0" and so forth. This means that for every 1/4" shown on the drawing, it represents 1'-0" in real length. This simple house plan is a representation of an actual larger house. Measurements are provided on the plans as references for size. Using a scale, you can determine the lengths of all the walls since one measurement of 34'-0" is given. If you have plans available to bring to class, take some time and let the students examine them. Using a scale, help the students understand the relationship of objects on your plans to real-life objects. Have them measure a few items to determine if they understand the principle of scale. = x 45

Module 2 - Math 2.8.3 Proportion

Unit 8

Proportion measures the size or magnitude of something as it relates to another object or to the whole portion. This picture shows the earth, the moon and mars relative to each other. You can see that Earth is larger than the moon and Mars, but how much larger? Using a scale you can measure across one globe and then measure another. Comparing the two measurements creates a ratio. With math, you can now determine how much larger the Earth is than the moon or Mars. This is a proportional measurement.

Module 2 - Math

Unit 8

Assessment
If yellow paint is made by adding 26 grams of yellow pigment to 200 grams of white base, how much pigment is needed to make 700 grams?

On a map, 2 inches represents 350 miles. If the distance between 2 cities is 875 miles, how far apart are they on the map?

Last week, a quarterback completed 8 out of 12 passes. If he does as well this week and throws 15 passes, how many will he complete?

To mix a floor sealant spray, the instructions say to mix at 3 oz per 1 gallon of water. You have a sprayer that holds 7-1/2 gallons. How much mix would you use?

An airplane files 1,950 mile in 6 hours. How far will it fly in 7 hours?

A man drives his car 630 miles in 10 hours. How far will he travel at this average speed if he drives for 12 hours?

A drawing is labeled the 1" = 3'. If the studs for the wall you need to build on the drawing are exactly 3" long, how long will you cut the 2 x 4 studs?

Module 2 - Math

Unit 8

An airplane model kit is labeled as 1/24 scale. The model airplane is 10" in length with a 12" wing span. How big is the actual airplane?

A basketball player is listed as making 79% of his free throws. If, in tonight's game, he is at the free-throw line 5 times for 9 shots, how many will he make, on average?

A drawing is labeled as 1" = 4'. On the drawing, what are the dimensions of a room that is known to be 12' x 11'?

A drawing is labeled as 1" = 20'. A triangular lot is 110' x 90' x 70'. How long is each side on the drawing?

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