Rates

A rate is a comparison of two quantities with different units. It is a special type of ratio that compares two measurements with different units. Rates are commonly used in everyday life, such as miles per hour, price per pound, and gallons per minute.

Calculating Rates

To calculate a rate, you divide one quantity by another. The general formula for calculating a rate is:

Rate = Quantity 1 / Quantity 2

For example, if you are driving 120 miles in 2 hours, the rate would be:

Rate = 120 miles / 2 hours = 60 miles per hour

Units of Rates

When expressing rates, it is important to include the units of measurement. For example, if the rate of a car is 50 miles per hour, it is essential to include "miles per hour" to indicate the units of the rate.

Examples of Rates

Here are some common examples of rates:

• Speed: miles per hour (mph)
• Price: dollars per pound ($/lb)
• Flow: gallons per minute (gal/min)
• Population growth: people per year (people/year)

Using Rates in Problems

Rates can be used to solve a variety of problems, such as finding the cost of multiple items, determining how long it takes to travel a certain distance, or comparing different quantities. When solving rate problems, it is important to pay attention to the units and ensure they are consistent throughout the problem.

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about rates:

1. A rate is a comparison of two quantities with different units.
2. To calculate a rate, divide one quantity by another.
3. Always include the units when expressing rates.
4. Rates are used in various real-life situations, such as speed, price, and flow.
5. When solving rate problems, pay attention to the units and ensure they are consistent.

Practice solving different rate problems to strengthen your understanding of rates and their applications.

Good luck with your studies!