What is important to know about Sharing in a ratio?

Find the total number of parts by adding all the ratio numbers.

What is important to know about Sharing in a ratio?

Find the value of one part: total amount ÷ total parts.

What is important to know about Sharing in a ratio?

Multiply each ratio number by the value of one part.

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Ratio & Proportion · Foundation & Higher

Sharing in a ratio

Sharing a quantity in a given ratio means dividing it into parts proportional to the ratio.

Revising sharing in a ratio the night before an exam? These are condensed revision notes — the facts, formulas and mistakes examiners actually mark, with no long explanations. Prefer a full walkthrough with step-by-step reasoning instead? Search “Sharing in a ratio GCSE” on the site for the complete guide.

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Key facts to remember

1Find the total number of parts by adding all the ratio numbers.
2Find the value of one part: total amount ÷ total parts.
3Multiply each ratio number by the value of one part.
4Check: the parts should add back up to the original amount.

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Worked examples

Example 1

Share £240 in the ratio 3:5.

Working

Total parts = 3 + 5 = 8
Value of 1 part = £240 ÷ 8 = £30
First share = 3 × £30 = £90
Second share = 5 × £30 = £150
Check: £90 + £150 = £240 ✓

Answer£90 and £150

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Common mistakes

✗Dividing by the number of ratio parts without adding them first (e.g. dividing 240 by 3 and 5 separately).

✗Not checking the parts add up to the original total.

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Exam tips

✓Always add the ratio parts first to find the total number of parts.

✓Do a check at the end — it takes seconds and catches errors.

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