How to find a ratio - GRE Quantitative Reasoning
Card 1 of 88
You are making a cake that requires, by volume, three times as much flour as sugar, twice as much sugar as milk, eight times more milk than baking powder and twice as much baking powder as salt. If you start with a teaspoon of salt, how many cups of flour do you need (there are 48 teaspoons in one cup)?
You are making a cake that requires, by volume, three times as much flour as sugar, twice as much sugar as milk, eight times more milk than baking powder and twice as much baking powder as salt. If you start with a teaspoon of salt, how many cups of flour do you need (there are 48 teaspoons in one cup)?
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One teaspoon of salt requires 2 teaspoons of baking powder, which requires 16 teaspoons of milk and 32 teaspoons of sugar. 32 teaspoons of sugar requires 96 teaspoons of flour, which equals two cups of flour.
One teaspoon of salt requires 2 teaspoons of baking powder, which requires 16 teaspoons of milk and 32 teaspoons of sugar. 32 teaspoons of sugar requires 96 teaspoons of flour, which equals two cups of flour.
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1 : 1
2 : 3
3 : 4
1 : 3
There are 28 students in a room. The ratio of boys to girls cannot be which of the above.
1 : 1
2 : 3
3 : 4
1 : 3
There are 28 students in a room. The ratio of boys to girls cannot be which of the above.
Tap to reveal answer
When selecting ratios for two variables (boys and girls) the two sides of the ratio must add up to be a factor of the total student count. The factors of 28 include 14, 7, 4, and 2. (1 + 1 = 2), (2 + 3 = 5), (3 + 4 = 7), and (1 + 3 = 4). 5 is the only nonfactor and cannot be the ratio of boys to girls, thus making 2 : 3 the correct answer.
When selecting ratios for two variables (boys and girls) the two sides of the ratio must add up to be a factor of the total student count. The factors of 28 include 14, 7, 4, and 2. (1 + 1 = 2), (2 + 3 = 5), (3 + 4 = 7), and (1 + 3 = 4). 5 is the only nonfactor and cannot be the ratio of boys to girls, thus making 2 : 3 the correct answer.
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A dessert is made using 2 parts cake and 3 parts icing. The cake contains 4 parts sugar, 5 parts milk, and 11 parts of other ingredients. The icing contains 3 parts sugar, 2 parts milk, and 15 parts of other ingredients. Which quantity is greater?
Quantity A: Parts sugar in the dessert
Quantity B: Parts milk in the dessert
A dessert is made using 2 parts cake and 3 parts icing. The cake contains 4 parts sugar, 5 parts milk, and 11 parts of other ingredients. The icing contains 3 parts sugar, 2 parts milk, and 15 parts of other ingredients. Which quantity is greater?
Quantity A: Parts sugar in the dessert
Quantity B: Parts milk in the dessert
Tap to reveal answer
Quantity A: To determine the parts of sugar in the dessert, we use the following process. Let's first figure out the amount of sugar in the cake. This is 4/20. Next, find the amount of sugar in the icing topping: 3/20. Then, we need to account for the amount of cake and icing in the dessert. Using the fact that there are 2 parts cake and 3 parts icing, we can say that 2/5 of the dessert is cake and 3/5 is icing. Combining this information with the amount of sugar in both the cake and the icing, we obtain: 2/5 * 4/20 + 3/5 * 3/20 = 17/100. So, there are 17 parts of sugar in the dessert.
Quantity B: Use the same method to find the amount of milk: 2/5 * 5/20 + 3/5 * 2/20 = 16/100. So there are 16 parts milk in the dessert. Thus, Quantity A is larger.
Quantity A: To determine the parts of sugar in the dessert, we use the following process. Let's first figure out the amount of sugar in the cake. This is 4/20. Next, find the amount of sugar in the icing topping: 3/20. Then, we need to account for the amount of cake and icing in the dessert. Using the fact that there are 2 parts cake and 3 parts icing, we can say that 2/5 of the dessert is cake and 3/5 is icing. Combining this information with the amount of sugar in both the cake and the icing, we obtain: 2/5 * 4/20 + 3/5 * 3/20 = 17/100. So, there are 17 parts of sugar in the dessert.
Quantity B: Use the same method to find the amount of milk: 2/5 * 5/20 + 3/5 * 2/20 = 16/100. So there are 16 parts milk in the dessert. Thus, Quantity A is larger.
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The ratio of 
to 
is 
to 
, while the ratio of 
to 
is 
to 
.
What is the ratio of 
to 
?
The ratio of
What is the ratio of
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Since the ratios are fixed, regardless of the actual values of 
, 
, or 
, we can let 
and 
In order to convert to a form where we can relate 
to 
, we must set the coefficient of 
of each ratio equal such that the ratio can be transferred. This is done most easily by finding a common multiple of 
and 
(the ratio of 
to 
and 
, respectively) which is 
Thus, we now have 
and 
.
Setting the 
values equal, we get 
, or a ratio of 
Since the ratios are fixed, regardless of the actual values of
In order to convert to a form where we can relate
Thus, we now have
Setting the
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There are 3,500 people in group A and 5,000 people in group B:
Car Type % in Group A Who Own % in Group B Who Own Motorbike 4 9 Sedan 35 25 Minivan 22 15 Van 9 12 Coupe 3 6
What is the ratio of the number of people in group A with motorbikes and vans to the total number of people across both groups with motorbikes and vans?
There are 3,500 people in group A and 5,000 people in group B:
| Car Type | % in Group A Who Own | % in Group B Who Own |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike | 4 | 9 |
| Sedan | 35 | 25 |
| Minivan | 22 | 15 |
| Van | 9 | 12 |
| Coupe | 3 | 6 |
What is the ratio of the number of people in group A with motorbikes and vans to the total number of people across both groups with motorbikes and vans?
Tap to reveal answer
First find the total number that own both motorbikes and vans of each group separately:
Group A: 
Group B: 
Now we have a ratio that should be:
First find the total number that own both motorbikes and vans of each group separately:
Group A:
Group B:
Now we have a ratio that should be:
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The ratio of the number of financial employees who remained in the same role for 2 to 9 years to the number of construction employees who remained in the same role for 0 to 4 years is closest to which of the following?
The ratio of the number of financial employees who remained in the same role for 2 to 9 years to the number of construction employees who remained in the same role for 0 to 4 years is closest to which of the following?
Tap to reveal answer
For this problem, we need to find the number of employees who fall into the categories described, keeping in mind that multiple portions of the pie chart must be accommodated for. Then, we can fit them into a ratio:
For the "2 to 9 years" portion of the financial industry, include
(0.2 + 0.18)(12,000,000) = 4,560,000 workers.
For the "0 to 4 years" portion of the construction industry, include
(0.15 + 0.2)(8,000,000) = 2,800,000 workers.
Now divide and simplify to find the ratio:
4,560,000/2,800,000 = 8/5.
For this problem, we need to find the number of employees who fall into the categories described, keeping in mind that multiple portions of the pie chart must be accommodated for. Then, we can fit them into a ratio:
For the "2 to 9 years" portion of the financial industry, include
(0.2 + 0.18)(12,000,000) = 4,560,000 workers.
For the "0 to 4 years" portion of the construction industry, include
(0.15 + 0.2)(8,000,000) = 2,800,000 workers.
Now divide and simplify to find the ratio:
4,560,000/2,800,000 = 8/5.
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For All Sweets Bakery, the daily sales ratio of bread to cakes is 5:2. If the bakery sells 12 more loaves of bread on Tuesday than its daily sale of 40 loaves, how many cakes were sold on Tuesday? (round to the nearest integer)
For All Sweets Bakery, the daily sales ratio of bread to cakes is 5:2. If the bakery sells 12 more loaves of bread on Tuesday than its daily sale of 40 loaves, how many cakes were sold on Tuesday? (round to the nearest integer)
Tap to reveal answer
Since 40 loaves of bread are sold daily, and the ratio of bread to cakes is 5:2, then 
cakes are sold daily.
Using the ratio in the same way, we can find the additional amount of cakes sold:
cakes with approximation.
Thus, the total amount of cakes sold on Tuesday is 
cakes.
Since 40 loaves of bread are sold daily, and the ratio of bread to cakes is 5:2, then
Using the ratio in the same way, we can find the additional amount of cakes sold:
Thus, the total amount of cakes sold on Tuesday is
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A bakery stocks 3 cookies for every 2 cupcakes and 6 pastries for every 5 cookies. What is the ratio of cupcakes to pastries?
A bakery stocks 3 cookies for every 2 cupcakes and 6 pastries for every 5 cookies. What is the ratio of cupcakes to pastries?
Tap to reveal answer
First, you have to set up the given ratios, which is 3 cookies : 2 cupcakes and 5 cookies : 6 pastries. Then, you find a common multiple of cookies (i.e. 15) and convert the ratios to 15 cookies : 10 cupcakes and 15 cookies : 18 pastries. Since both ratios now have 15 cookies, you can infer that the ration of cupcakes to pastries is 10:18 or 5:9.
First, you have to set up the given ratios, which is 3 cookies : 2 cupcakes and 5 cookies : 6 pastries. Then, you find a common multiple of cookies (i.e. 15) and convert the ratios to 15 cookies : 10 cupcakes and 15 cookies : 18 pastries. Since both ratios now have 15 cookies, you can infer that the ration of cupcakes to pastries is 10:18 or 5:9.
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The ratio of male students to female students in a class is 13 to 19. If there are 224 people in the class, including one teacher, one administrator, and thirty evaluators, how many people in the class are male students?
The ratio of male students to female students in a class is 13 to 19. If there are 224 people in the class, including one teacher, one administrator, and thirty evaluators, how many people in the class are male students?
Tap to reveal answer
Begin by eliminating people in the class who are not students. Subtracting 1 teacher, 1 administrator and 30 evaluators leaves 192 students.
We also need to determine the ratio of male students to total students from the information in the question. Out of every thirty-two students, thirteen are male.
Now we can set up a proportion, and solve for the number of male students.
Begin by eliminating people in the class who are not students. Subtracting 1 teacher, 1 administrator and 30 evaluators leaves 192 students.
We also need to determine the ratio of male students to total students from the information in the question. Out of every thirty-two students, thirteen are male.
Now we can set up a proportion, and solve for the number of male students.
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If the length of a rectangle is increased by 50% and its width is decreased by 20%, what is the ratio of the area of the new rectangle to the original rectangle?
If the length of a rectangle is increased by 50% and its width is decreased by 20%, what is the ratio of the area of the new rectangle to the original rectangle?
Tap to reveal answer
First, pick a number for the original length and width. To make it easy, you can choose a length of 1 and width of 1, which would give it an area of 1. If we increased the length by 50% and decreased the width by 20%, then the dimensions of the new rectangle would be 
, which would give it an area of 1.2. Thus, the ratio of the new rectangle to the original rectangle is 6:5
First, pick a number for the original length and width. To make it easy, you can choose a length of 1 and width of 1, which would give it an area of 1. If we increased the length by 50% and decreased the width by 20%, then the dimensions of the new rectangle would be
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A fence has a post that is 5 in wide. The fence is constructed with 5 foot pieces. What is a possible length of a straight fence if it starts and ends with a post with a post between each piece of fence.
A fence has a post that is 5 in wide. The fence is constructed with 5 foot pieces. What is a possible length of a straight fence if it starts and ends with a post with a post between each piece of fence.
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You must convert all the measurements to inches first so the fence pieces will be 
.
For one piece of fence, it would be two posts and one fence piece
.
For two pieces of fence, it would be three posts and two pieces of fence which would be the answer of
.
You must convert all the measurements to inches first so the fence pieces will be
For one piece of fence, it would be two posts and one fence piece
For two pieces of fence, it would be three posts and two pieces of fence which would be the answer of
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1 : 1
2 : 3
3 : 4
1 : 3
There are 28 students in a room. The ratio of boys to girls cannot be which of the above.
1 : 1
2 : 3
3 : 4
1 : 3
There are 28 students in a room. The ratio of boys to girls cannot be which of the above.
Tap to reveal answer
When selecting ratios for two variables (boys and girls) the two sides of the ratio must add up to be a factor of the total student count. The factors of 28 include 14, 7, 4, and 2. (1 + 1 = 2), (2 + 3 = 5), (3 + 4 = 7), and (1 + 3 = 4). 5 is the only nonfactor and cannot be the ratio of boys to girls, thus making 2 : 3 the correct answer.
When selecting ratios for two variables (boys and girls) the two sides of the ratio must add up to be a factor of the total student count. The factors of 28 include 14, 7, 4, and 2. (1 + 1 = 2), (2 + 3 = 5), (3 + 4 = 7), and (1 + 3 = 4). 5 is the only nonfactor and cannot be the ratio of boys to girls, thus making 2 : 3 the correct answer.
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A dessert is made using 2 parts cake and 3 parts icing. The cake contains 4 parts sugar, 5 parts milk, and 11 parts of other ingredients. The icing contains 3 parts sugar, 2 parts milk, and 15 parts of other ingredients. Which quantity is greater?
Quantity A: Parts sugar in the dessert
Quantity B: Parts milk in the dessert
A dessert is made using 2 parts cake and 3 parts icing. The cake contains 4 parts sugar, 5 parts milk, and 11 parts of other ingredients. The icing contains 3 parts sugar, 2 parts milk, and 15 parts of other ingredients. Which quantity is greater?
Quantity A: Parts sugar in the dessert
Quantity B: Parts milk in the dessert
Tap to reveal answer
Quantity A: To determine the parts of sugar in the dessert, we use the following process. Let's first figure out the amount of sugar in the cake. This is 4/20. Next, find the amount of sugar in the icing topping: 3/20. Then, we need to account for the amount of cake and icing in the dessert. Using the fact that there are 2 parts cake and 3 parts icing, we can say that 2/5 of the dessert is cake and 3/5 is icing. Combining this information with the amount of sugar in both the cake and the icing, we obtain: 2/5 * 4/20 + 3/5 * 3/20 = 17/100. So, there are 17 parts of sugar in the dessert.
Quantity B: Use the same method to find the amount of milk: 2/5 * 5/20 + 3/5 * 2/20 = 16/100. So there are 16 parts milk in the dessert. Thus, Quantity A is larger.
Quantity A: To determine the parts of sugar in the dessert, we use the following process. Let's first figure out the amount of sugar in the cake. This is 4/20. Next, find the amount of sugar in the icing topping: 3/20. Then, we need to account for the amount of cake and icing in the dessert. Using the fact that there are 2 parts cake and 3 parts icing, we can say that 2/5 of the dessert is cake and 3/5 is icing. Combining this information with the amount of sugar in both the cake and the icing, we obtain: 2/5 * 4/20 + 3/5 * 3/20 = 17/100. So, there are 17 parts of sugar in the dessert.
Quantity B: Use the same method to find the amount of milk: 2/5 * 5/20 + 3/5 * 2/20 = 16/100. So there are 16 parts milk in the dessert. Thus, Quantity A is larger.
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The ratio of to is to , while the ratio of to is to .
What is the ratio of to ?
The ratio of
What is the ratio of
Tap to reveal answer
Since the ratios are fixed, regardless of the actual values of , , or , we can let and
In order to convert to a form where we can relate to , we must set the coefficient of of each ratio equal such that the ratio can be transferred. This is done most easily by finding a common multiple of and (the ratio of to and , respectively) which is
Thus, we now have and .
Setting the values equal, we get , or a ratio of
Since the ratios are fixed, regardless of the actual values of
In order to convert to a form where we can relate
Thus, we now have
Setting the
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There are 3,500 people in group A and 5,000 people in group B:
Car Type % in Group A Who Own % in Group B Who Own Motorbike 4 9 Sedan 35 25 Minivan 22 15 Van 9 12 Coupe 3 6
What is the ratio of the number of people in group A with motorbikes and vans to the total number of people across both groups with motorbikes and vans?
There are 3,500 people in group A and 5,000 people in group B:
| Car Type | % in Group A Who Own | % in Group B Who Own |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike | 4 | 9 |
| Sedan | 35 | 25 |
| Minivan | 22 | 15 |
| Van | 9 | 12 |
| Coupe | 3 | 6 |
What is the ratio of the number of people in group A with motorbikes and vans to the total number of people across both groups with motorbikes and vans?
Tap to reveal answer
First find the total number that own both motorbikes and vans of each group separately:
Group A:
Group B:
Now we have a ratio that should be:
First find the total number that own both motorbikes and vans of each group separately:
Group A:
Group B:
Now we have a ratio that should be:
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The ratio of the number of financial employees who remained in the same role for 2 to 9 years to the number of construction employees who remained in the same role for 0 to 4 years is closest to which of the following?
The ratio of the number of financial employees who remained in the same role for 2 to 9 years to the number of construction employees who remained in the same role for 0 to 4 years is closest to which of the following?
Tap to reveal answer
For this problem, we need to find the number of employees who fall into the categories described, keeping in mind that multiple portions of the pie chart must be accommodated for. Then, we can fit them into a ratio:
For the "2 to 9 years" portion of the financial industry, include
(0.2 + 0.18)(12,000,000) = 4,560,000 workers.
For the "0 to 4 years" portion of the construction industry, include
(0.15 + 0.2)(8,000,000) = 2,800,000 workers.
Now divide and simplify to find the ratio:
4,560,000/2,800,000 = 8/5.
For this problem, we need to find the number of employees who fall into the categories described, keeping in mind that multiple portions of the pie chart must be accommodated for. Then, we can fit them into a ratio:
For the "2 to 9 years" portion of the financial industry, include
(0.2 + 0.18)(12,000,000) = 4,560,000 workers.
For the "0 to 4 years" portion of the construction industry, include
(0.15 + 0.2)(8,000,000) = 2,800,000 workers.
Now divide and simplify to find the ratio:
4,560,000/2,800,000 = 8/5.
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For All Sweets Bakery, the daily sales ratio of bread to cakes is 5:2. If the bakery sells 12 more loaves of bread on Tuesday than its daily sale of 40 loaves, how many cakes were sold on Tuesday? (round to the nearest integer)
For All Sweets Bakery, the daily sales ratio of bread to cakes is 5:2. If the bakery sells 12 more loaves of bread on Tuesday than its daily sale of 40 loaves, how many cakes were sold on Tuesday? (round to the nearest integer)
Tap to reveal answer
Since 40 loaves of bread are sold daily, and the ratio of bread to cakes is 5:2, then cakes are sold daily.
Using the ratio in the same way, we can find the additional amount of cakes sold:
cakes with approximation.
Thus, the total amount of cakes sold on Tuesday is cakes.
Since 40 loaves of bread are sold daily, and the ratio of bread to cakes is 5:2, then
Using the ratio in the same way, we can find the additional amount of cakes sold:
Thus, the total amount of cakes sold on Tuesday is
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A bakery stocks 3 cookies for every 2 cupcakes and 6 pastries for every 5 cookies. What is the ratio of cupcakes to pastries?
A bakery stocks 3 cookies for every 2 cupcakes and 6 pastries for every 5 cookies. What is the ratio of cupcakes to pastries?
Tap to reveal answer
First, you have to set up the given ratios, which is 3 cookies : 2 cupcakes and 5 cookies : 6 pastries. Then, you find a common multiple of cookies (i.e. 15) and convert the ratios to 15 cookies : 10 cupcakes and 15 cookies : 18 pastries. Since both ratios now have 15 cookies, you can infer that the ration of cupcakes to pastries is 10:18 or 5:9.
First, you have to set up the given ratios, which is 3 cookies : 2 cupcakes and 5 cookies : 6 pastries. Then, you find a common multiple of cookies (i.e. 15) and convert the ratios to 15 cookies : 10 cupcakes and 15 cookies : 18 pastries. Since both ratios now have 15 cookies, you can infer that the ration of cupcakes to pastries is 10:18 or 5:9.
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The ratio of male students to female students in a class is 13 to 19. If there are 224 people in the class, including one teacher, one administrator, and thirty evaluators, how many people in the class are male students?
The ratio of male students to female students in a class is 13 to 19. If there are 224 people in the class, including one teacher, one administrator, and thirty evaluators, how many people in the class are male students?
Tap to reveal answer
Begin by eliminating people in the class who are not students. Subtracting 1 teacher, 1 administrator and 30 evaluators leaves 192 students.
We also need to determine the ratio of male students to total students from the information in the question. Out of every thirty-two students, thirteen are male.
Now we can set up a proportion, and solve for the number of male students.
Begin by eliminating people in the class who are not students. Subtracting 1 teacher, 1 administrator and 30 evaluators leaves 192 students.
We also need to determine the ratio of male students to total students from the information in the question. Out of every thirty-two students, thirteen are male.
Now we can set up a proportion, and solve for the number of male students.
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If the length of a rectangle is increased by 50% and its width is decreased by 20%, what is the ratio of the area of the new rectangle to the original rectangle?
If the length of a rectangle is increased by 50% and its width is decreased by 20%, what is the ratio of the area of the new rectangle to the original rectangle?
Tap to reveal answer
First, pick a number for the original length and width. To make it easy, you can choose a length of 1 and width of 1, which would give it an area of 1. If we increased the length by 50% and decreased the width by 20%, then the dimensions of the new rectangle would be , which would give it an area of 1.2. Thus, the ratio of the new rectangle to the original rectangle is 6:5
First, pick a number for the original length and width. To make it easy, you can choose a length of 1 and width of 1, which would give it an area of 1. If we increased the length by 50% and decreased the width by 20%, then the dimensions of the new rectangle would be
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