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Lesson 10 of 15

A rate is a ratio with units on it

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A scoreboard says 48 runs off 8 overs. What is the rate?

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48 runs, 8 overs.
Step 1 of 3
  1. 48 runs, 8 overs.
  2. Runs an over: 48 ÷ 8 = 6.
  3. Divide the other way: 8 ÷ 48 is about 0.17 overs a run. It is a different rate.

The rule

The rate is 6 runs an over.

A rate compares two different kinds of amount. It keeps its units. Examples are runs and overs, or kilometres and hours.

  • A bus covers 180 km in 3 hours. The rate is 180 ÷ 3 = 60 km an hour.
  • At that rate, 4.5 hours is 4.5 × 60 = 270 km.
  • To compare two rates, write both in the same unit.
  • 300 g costs ₹240. In kilograms, 300 g is 0.3 kg. So ₹240 ÷ 0.3 = ₹800 a kilogram.

Watch out!

Match the units first. 120 km in 90 minutes is 120 km in 1.5 hours. That is 120 ÷ 1.5 = 80 km an hour.

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