RATIO &

PROPORTION
PROBLEMS

Muhammad Jawad Abid

  
 RATIO & PROPORTION
Ratio:

The ratio of two quantities a and b in the same units, is the fraction   and we write
it as a : b.
In the ratio a : b, we call a as the first term or antecedent and b, the second term
or consequent.
5
Eg. The ratio 5 : 9 represents with antecedent = 5, consequent = 9.
9
Rule: The multiplication or division of each term of a ratio by the same non-zero
number does not affect the ratio.
Eg. 4 : 5 = 8 : 10 = 12 : 15. Also, 4 : 6 = 2 : 3.
Proportion:
The equality of two ratios is called proportion.
If a : b = c : d, we write a : b :: c : d and we say that a, b, c, d are in proportion.
Here a and d are called extremes, while b and c are called mean terms.
Product of means = Product of extremes.
Thus, a : b :: c : d   (b x c) = (a x d).
Fourth Proportional:
If a : b = c : d, then d is called the fourth proportional to a, b, c.
Third Proportional:
a : b = c : d, then c is called the third proportion to a and b.
Mean Proportional:
Mean proportional between a and b is ab.
Comparison of Ratios:
a c
We say that (a : b) > (c : d)       > .
b d
1. Compounded Ratio:
The compounded ratio of the ratios:
(a : b), (c : d), (e : f) is (ace : bdf).
2. Duplicate Ratios:
Duplicate ratio of (a : b) is (a2 : b2).
Sub-duplicate ratio of (a : b) is (a : b).
Triplicate ratio of (a : b) is (a3 : b3).
Sub-triplicate ratio of (a : b) is (a1/3 : b1/3).
Simplification of Ratio

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If the terms of the ratio are expressed in fraction form; then find the Least Common
Multiple of the denominators of these fractions. Now, multiply each fraction by the
L.C.M. The ratio is simplified.
Simplify the following ratios. (a) 5 / 29 : 3 /8 : 4/9 (b) 2¹/₇ : 3²/₅ (a) The L.C.M. of 2, 8, 9
= 2 × 2 × 2 × 3 × 3 = 8 × 9 = 72
Now, multiplying each fraction by the L.C.M. 5/2 × 72 = 160 3/8 × 72 = 27 4/9 × 72 = 32
So, the ratio becomes 160 : 27 : 32
(b) 2¹/₇ : 3²/₅ = 15/7 : 17/5 = 15/7 × 5/17= 75/119 So, the ratio becomes 75 : 119
If a:b is 3:4 and b:c is 8:11, find a:c?
a/b=3/4 b/ c = 8 / 11
a / b x b/ c = 3 / 4 x 8 / 11
a / c = 6 / 11
a:c 6:11

If a:b is 4:7, b:c is 14:5 and c:d is 3:2, find a:d?

a /b = 4 / 7 b / c = 15 / 5 c/d = 3 / 2
a /b x b / c x c/d =4 / 7 x 15 / 5 x 3 / 2
a/ d = 12 / 5
a:d = 12 : 5

If w:x is 1:6, x:y is 18:11 and y:z is 7:3, find w:z?

w / x = 1 /6 x / y = 18 /11 y /z= 7/3
w/x x x / y x y / z =1 /6 x 18 /11 x 7 / 3
w / z = 7 /11
w : z = 7 : 11

If h:m is 5:2, m:s is 6:7 and s:u is 3:8, find h:u? Quiz Solution: h:u 45: 56

If a:b is 3:8 and b:c is 3:5, then find a:b:c?

A B C
3 8

3 5

9 24 40
a:b:c = 9: 24: 40

If x:y is 6:7 and y:z is 4:9, then find x:y:z?

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 x y z
6 7

4 9

24 28 63

x:y:z = 24: 28: 63

If a:b is 2:3, b:c is 4:5 and c:d is 6:7, then find a:b:c:d?
a b c d
2 3

4 5

24 6 7

48 72 90 105

a:b:c:d = 16: 24: 30: 35

If x:y::2:3 and x=1:2, then find y?

x / y = 2 /3 , x = 1/ 2
2y = 3 x
y= 3x/ 2
= [3(1/)/2]/ 2
=3/4
y =3/ 4 =3:4

In an exhibition, the ratio of boys to girls is 3:4. If there are 135 boys, find the
number of girls?
B / G =- 3 / 4 B = 135
3G = 4B
G = 4B / 3
= (4 x 135)/ 3 = 540 /3 = 180

A bakery uses a special flour mixture that contain corn, wheat and barley in the
ratio of 3:5:2. If a bag of mixture contains 5 pounds of barley, how many pounds of
wheat does it contain?
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C: W: B 3:5:2
W: B = 5:2
W /B = 5 / 2
2W = 5B
W = 5B / 2
Now B = 5
So W = 5(5) / 2 = 25 / 2

Divide 144 in the ratio 2:3:7?

2x , 3x , 7x x= total/sum of ratio
2(12) 3 (12) 7(12) x = 144/12
x= 12

24 36 84

The 3 angles A, B and C of a triangle are in the ratio 5:12:13. What is the angle A?
Let 5x, 12x, 13x angles x= total/sum of ratio
5(6) 12 (6), 13(6) x = 180/30
x= 6

30, 72, 78

An amount of Rs. 900 is to be distributed among A, B and C in the proportion 4:5:6

respectively. What will be the difference between A's and C's amount?

a b c
4x, 5x, 6x are shares x= total/sum of ratio
4(60) 5 (60), 6(60) x = 900/15
240 300 360 x= 60

Difference = 360-240
=120

Quiz: Q1: Divide 76 in the ratio 1 /2 : 1 / 4 : 1/5

Q2: In a certain city, the ratio of retailers and wholesalers is 3:5, respectively. If
there are 3000 in both categories, then how many are retailers?
Quiz Solution: Q1: 40 20 16

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Q2: Retailers = 1125

If 12:x::x:3 then find the value of x?

12 : x : : x :3
= x x x =12 x 3
x2 = 36
√x2 = √36
x=6

If 3 : 4 is equivalent to a: 12 the find a?

3 : 4 :: a : 12
4a = 12 x 3
a=9

Find the value of x if 1/5 : 1/ x :: 1/x :1/125

1/5 : 1/ x :: 1/x :1/125
1/ x x 1/x = 1/5 x 1 /125
1/ x2 = 1 / 625
1/ x = 1/25
x= 25

Find the value of s if 1/28 : 1/ s :: 1/2 :1/3

Answer
S = 42

If x:y=3 and sum of x and y is 80, find y?

x: y = 3
x + y = 80
x/y=3
x = 3y
x+ y = 80
3y + y= 8
4y = 80 y = 20

If a:b=7 and sum of a and b is 328, find b? a: b = 7

a /b = 7 a = 7b
a + b = 328
7b+b =328
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8b = 328
b = 41

If m:n=4 and difference of m and n is 3, find m?

m: n = 4
m/n=4
m = 4n
n = m /4
m-n=3
m - m/4 = 3
(4m - m)/4 = 3
3m / 4 = 3
m/4=1
m=4
Direct Proportion and Inverse Proportion
Direct Proportion
If an increase in one quantity produces a proportionate increase in another quantity, then
the two quantities are directly proportional to each other
or
If a decrease in one quantity produces a proportionate decrease in another quantity, then
the two quantities are directly proportional to each other
Change in both the quantities must be same.
That is,
Increase ------> Increase
or
Decrease ------> Decrease
Inverse Proportion
If an increase in one quantity produces a proportionate decrease in another quantity, then
two quantities are inversely proportional to each other.
or
If a decrease in one quantity produces proportionate increase in another quantity, then
two quantities are inversely proportional to each other.
Changes in the quantities must be opposite.
That is,
Increase ------> Decrease
or
Decrease ------> Increase

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6 oxen or 8 cows can graze a field in 28 days. How long would 9 oxen and 2 cows
take to graze the same field?
6 oxen = 8 cows
1 ox = 8/6 cows
Hence, 9 oxen ≡ (8/6 × 9) cows = 12 cows
Hence, (9 oxen + 2 cows) ≡ (12 cows + 2 cows) = 14 cows Now,
Inverse proportion
More cows Hence, Less days
Days Cows
28 8
x 14
x/28=8/14 Hence, 14 x =224
x =224/14
x =16
14 cows can graze the field in (28 × 8)/14 days [more cows, less days] = 16 days Hence,
9 oxen and 2 cows can graze the field in 16 days.
A fort had provisions for 300 men for 90 days. After 20 days, 50 men left the fort.
How long would the food last at the same rate?
Remaining number of men = (300 - 50) = 250.
Remaining number of days = (90 - 20) days = 70 days.
300 men had provisions for 70 days
1 man had provisions for (300 × 70) days [less men, more days]
250 men had provisions for (300 × 70)/250 days [more men, more days] = 84 days.
Hence, the remaining food will last for 84 days.
6 typists working 5 hours a day can type the manuscript of a book in 16 days. How
many days’ will 4 typists take to do the same job, each working 6 hours a day?
Days Hour Typist
16 5 6

X 6 4
More typist Hence, less days
More hour per days Hence, less days
x/16 = 5/6 X 6/4
x/16 = 30/24
x = 5/4 X 16
x = 20

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If 3 men or 4 women earn $ 480 in a day, find how much will 7 men and 11 women
earn in a day?
Earn Man Woman
480 3 4

X 7 11
Direct proportion
More man or woman Hence, more earning
x/480 = 7/3 X 11/4
x= 77/12 X 480
x= 77 X 40
x= 3080
The cost of 16 packets of salt, each weighing 900 grams is $ 84. What will be the cost
of 27 packets of salt, each weighing 1 kg?
Cost Packs weight
84 16 900

x 27 1000
Direct proportion
More packets or weight Hence, more cost
x/84 = 27/16 X 1000/900
x/84 = 27/16 X 10/9
x = 270/144 X 84
=157.5
Hence, the cost of 27 packets, each weighing 1 kg is $ 157.50.
If the wages of 15 workers for 6 days are $ 9450, find the wages of 19 workers for 5
days.(Direct proportion )
[less workers, less wages] [less days, less wages]
Wages Workers Days
9450 15 6

x 19 5

x/9450 = 19/15 X 5/6

x = 95/90 X 9450
x = 95 x105
Hence, the wages of 19 workers for 5 days = $ 9975.

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 Proportion
We have already learnt that statement of equality of ratios is called proportion,
if four quantities a, b, c, d are in proportion,
then a : b = c : d or a : b : : c : d (: : is the symbol used to denote proportion).
Hence, a × d = b × c Hence, ad = bc
Here a, d is called the extreme terms in which a is called the first term and d is called the
fourth term and b, c is called the mean terms in which b is called the second term and c is
called the third term. Thus, we say, if product of mean terms = the product of extreme
terms, then the terms are said to be in proportion.
Also, if a: b:: c : d, then d is called the fourth proportional of a, b, c.
Continued Proportion
The three quantities a, b, c are said to be in continued proportion if a : b :: b : c Hence, a
× c = b² Hence, b² = ac Hence, b = √ac
Here, b is called the mean proportional of a and c.
The square of middle term is equal to the product of 1ˢᵗ term and 3ʳᵈ term.
Also, if a : b :: b : c, then c is called the third proportional of a, b.
Example: Determine if the following are in proportion.
(a) 6, 12, 24
(a) Here, product of first term and third term = 6 × 24 = 144 and square of middle term =
(12) ² = 12 × 12 = 144
(b) (b) 1²/₃, 6¹/₄, ⁴/₉, ⁵/₃
(c) Here, a = 1²/₃ b = 6¹/₄ c = ⁴/₉ d = ⁵/₃ a : b = 1²/₃ : 6¹/₄ c : d = ⁴/₉ : ⁵/₃ = ⁵/₃ ∶ ²⁵/₄ =
(4/9)/(5/3) = (5/3)/(25/4) = 4/9 × 3/5 = 5/3 × 4/25 = 4/3 × 1/5 = 4/15 = 4/15 Since, a : b =
c : d Therefore, 1²/₃, 6¹/₄, ⁴/₉, ⁵/₃ are in proportion.

Arrange the following ratios in descending order.

2 : 3, 3 : 4, 5 : 6, 1 : 5
Given ratios are 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 1/5 The L.C.M. of 3, 4, 6, 5 is 2 × 2 × 3 × 5 = 60
Now, 2/3 = (2 × 20)/(3 × 20) = 40/60
3/4 = (3 × 15)/(4 × 15) = 45/60
5/6 = (5 × 10)/(6 × 10) = 50/60
1/5 = (1 × 12)/(5 × 12) = 12/60
Clearly, 50/60 > 45/60 > 40/60 > 12/60
Therefore, 5/6 > 3/4 > 2/3 > 1/5
So, 5 : 6 > 3 : 4 > 2 : 3 > 1 : 5

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Two numbers are in the ratio 3 : 4. If the sum of numbers is 63, find the numbers.
Sum of the terms of the ratio = 3 + 4 = 7
Sum of numbers = 63
Therefore, first number = 3/7 × 63 = 27
Second number = 4/7 × 63 = 36 Therefore, the two numbers are 27 and 36.
If x : y = 1 : 2, find the value of (2x + 3y) : (x + 4y)
x : y = 1 : 2 means x/y = 1/2
Now, (2x + 3y) : (x + 4y) = (2x + 3y)/(x + 4y)
[Divide numerator and denominator by y.]
= [(2x + 3y)/y]/[(x + 4y)/2] = [2(x/y) + 3]/[(x/y) + 4],
put x/y = ½
We get = [2 (1/2) + 3)/(1/2 + 4) = (1 + 3)/[(1 + 8)/2]
= 4/(9/2) = 4/1 × 2/9 = 8/9
Therefore the value of (2x + 3y) : (x + 4y) = 8 : 9
(Expenditure  =  Income - Savings)
Then, expenditure of the 1st person  =  4x - 50
Expenditure of the 2nd person  =  5x - 50
Expenditure ratio  =  7 : 9  (given)
So, we have
(4x - 50) : (5x - 50)  =  7 : 9
Use cross product rule.
9(4x - 50)  =  7(5x - 50)
36x - 450  =  35x - 350 
x  =  100
Then, the income of the second person is 
=  5x 
=  5(100) 
=  500.
So, income of the second person is $500.
A, B and C enter into a partnership by investing Rs.3600, Rs.4400 and Rs.2800. A is
a working partner and gets a fourth of the profit for his services and the remaining
profit is divided amongst the three in the rate of their investments. What is the
amount of profit that B gets if A gets a total of Rs. 8000?
Let x be the profit.
Their investment ratio = 3600:4400:2800 = 9:11:7
A’s profit of Rs. 8000 =(1/4 x x) + 1/3 x(3/4 x x) = ½ xx
X= 16000/-

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Therefore B’s profit =11/27 x(3/4 x 16000)=4888.88
By mistake, instead of dividing Rs 177 among three persons P, Q and R in the ratio
1/2:1/3:1/4, it was divided in the ratio 2 : 3 : 4. Who gains the most and how much?
Actual Ratio
Ratio ½:1/3:1/4
= 6:4:3
Wrong Ratio
2:3:4
On a certain day, the ratio of the passenger in the 1st class and the second class
travelling by train is 1 : 3. the ratio of the fares collected from each first class and
second class passengers is 30 : 1. If the total amount collected from all the
passengers is Rs 1,320. Find the amount in Rs, collected from the second class
passengers.
Let the number of passengers travelling by first class and second class be x and 3x
respectively.
Lets the fares collected from each of the first class and second class
passengers be 30y and y respectively.
Hence x(30y) + 3x(y) = 30xy + 3xy = 33xy = 1320
xy = 40.
Total amount collected from the second class = 3xy = 3 × 40 = Rs 120.
The monthly salaries of two persons are in the ratio of 4 : 7. If each receives an
increase of Rs.25 in the salary, the ratio is altered to 3 : 5. Find their respective
salaries.
Let the salaries be 4x and 7x Therefore,
[(4x+25)/(7x+25)]=3 /5
5(4x+25) =3(7x+25)
20x+125=21x+75 x = 50 Therefore, their salaries are 4×50 & 7x 50 i.e., 200 & 350

A, B and C play cricket. A's runs are to B's runs and B's runs are to C's as 3 :
2.They get altogether 342 runs. How many runs did A make?
A:B =3:2=9:6 B:C =3:2 =6:4 (making B equal)
Therefore, A;B:C=9:6:4 Therefore, the runs made by 4 = (9/19) x 342 =162.

Two cogged wheels of which one has 32 cogs and other 54 cogs, work into each
other. If the latter turns 80 times in three quarters of a minute, how often does the
other turn in 8 seconds?

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Rs.432 is divided amongst three workers A, B and C such that 8 times A’s share is
equal to 12 times B’s share which is equal to 6 times C’s share. How much did A
get?
Rs. 432 is divided amongst A,B and C
so, A+B+C= 432
Also 8A=12B=6C
so we are going to make B and C in terms of A
8A = 12B
B = 8A/12 = 2A/3
8A = 6C
C= 8A/6 = 4A/3
So remember;
A+B+C = 432
A + 2A/3 + 4A/3 = 432
find the L.C.M
3A+2A+4A/3= 432
9A/3= 432
9A= 432 x 3
A = 432 x3/9
A = 144
If 40% of a number is equal to two third of another number, what is the ratio of
first number to the second number?
Let 40% of A=2B/3 40A/100=2B/3 2A/5=2B/3 A:B = 5:3.
The ratio of the number of boys and girls in a college is 7 : 8. If the percentage
increase in the number of boys and girls be 20% and 10% respectively, what will be
the new ratio?
Let the no. of boys be 7 and girls be 8
Increase in the no. of boys20%=20/100 or 1/5
Girls =10% or 1/10

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New ratio= 7+(7 x 1/5) : 8+(8 x 1/10)

=(7+7/5) : (8+8/10)
=(42/5) : (88/10) or (44/5)
= 42 : 44 = 21:22
New ratio : 21 : 22
2nd way
Ratio of the number of boys and girls in a college = 7 : 8
Percentage increase in the no of boys = 20%
Percentage increase in the no of girls = 10%
Let the number of boys and girls be 70a and 80a respectively.
Increased number of boys = 70a + 70a × 20/100 = 84a
Increased number of girls = 80a + 80a × 10/100 = 88a
New ratio of boys and girls = 84a : 88a
Hence, 21 : 22

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