Max Maths, Year 5, Learn together, Ratio

Ratio is a mathematical concept used to describe the relationship between different quantities. In the context of a practical example, such as making a drink, ratio becomes a handy tool. If a recipe calls for mixing concentrated juice with water, the ratio helps us understand the proportions needed to create the perfect blend. For instance, a drink may require 1 part of concentrated juice to 4 parts of water, which can be expressed as the ratio 1 : 4. This simple notation indicates the amount of juice compared to the amount of water needed.

Understanding ratios also allows us to easily scale quantities up or down. If one wishes to make a larger batch of the drink, the ratio can guide us in maintaining the correct taste and consistency. For example, doubling the original quantities would result in using 2 parts concentrated juice to 8 parts water, written as the ratio 2 : 8. While the numbers are different, the proportion of juice to water remains the same, making 2 : 8 equivalent to the original ratio of 1 : 4. This shows that for every single part of juice, there are still four parts of water, keeping the drink's flavour consistent regardless of the amount being made.