SAT Math : How to find a ratio

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT Math

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Example Questions

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Example Question #501 : Arithmetic

The exchange rate in some prehistoric village was  jagged rocks for every  smooth pebbles.  Also, one shiny rock could be traded for  smooth pebbles.  If Joaquin had  Jagged rocks, what is the maximum number of shiny rocks he could trade for?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

We can use dimensional analysis to solve this problem.  We will create ratios from the conversions given.

Since Joaquin cannot trade for part of a shiny rock, the most he can get is 3 shiny rocks.

Example Question #502 : Arithmetic

In a flower bed, Joaquin plants  Begonias for every  Zinnias, and  Marigolds for every  Begonias.  What is the ration of Marigolds to Zinnias planted in the flower bed?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

First, we should write a fraction for each ratio given:

 

Next, we will multiply these fractions by each other in such a way that will leave us with a fraction that has only Z and M, since we want  a ration of these two flowers only.

So the final answer is 35:6

Example Question #503 : Arithmetic

Solve for

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve for the missing value in this ratio problem, it is a two step process.

First cross-multiply:





From here, to isolate x take the opposite operation. In other words divide each side by two.

Example Question #504 : Arithmetic

A lawn can be mowed by  people in  hours. If  people take the day off and do not help mow the grass, how many hours will it take to mow the lawn?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The number of hours required to mow the lawn remains constant and can be found by taking the original  workers times the  hours they worked, totaling  hours. We then split the total required hours between the  works that remain, and each of them have to work  and  hours:  .

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