Explanation of Ratio Problem
Today, I present the explanation to yesterday’s ratio problem. I make sure to emphasize the importance of ratios and proportions to the students in my ASVAB prep course. As an ASVAB tutor, I remind my students that knowing how to recognize the steps involved in solving the word problems is of prime importance. This example is a ratio that can be solved as a proportion. Knowing how to properly set up a proportion will help improve your ASVAB math score.
In this example, there is a 10:7 ratio of sheep to goats. This means there are 10 sheep for every 7 goats.
If there are 50 sheep, how many goats are there?
A proportion of sheep to goats can be set up
sheep/goats
10/7 = 50/x
Cross multiply and solve for x
10x= 350
Divide by 10.
x = 35
The answer is 35 goats.
How did you do?
