Ratio word problems (11+)
Sharing in a ratio, scaling recipes, finding parts when only differences are given.
11+ ratio is mostly Year 6 KS2 work, but with multi-step contexts. Common: ‘A and B share £X in ratio a:b. How much does B get?’ or ‘A scaling: if 5 jars cost X, what do 8 cost?’
Worked examples
£240 in 3:5 = £90 + £150.
Recipe for 6 needs 360 g flour. For 10: 360/6 × 10 = 600 g.
A and B share in 3:7. B gets £28 more than A. Total = ? Difference is 4 parts = £28; 1 part = £7; total = 10 parts = £70.
Frequently asked questions
3-part ratios?
Same logic. Sum the parts, divide total by parts, multiply each ratio number.
Ratio with units?
Convert to same units first. 50 cm : 1 m = 50 : 100 = 1 : 2.