A rate is a comparison of two different quantities. It is a special type of ratio in which the two quantities have different units. Rates are commonly used to describe how one quantity changes in relation to another, such as speed, distance, or cost per unit.
To calculate a rate, you divide one quantity by the other. The formula for rate is:
Rate = (Quantity 1) / (Quantity 2)
For example, if you traveled 200 miles in 4 hours, the rate would be:
Rate = 200 miles / 4 hours = 50 miles per hour
When expressing a rate, it's important to include the units of both quantities. For example, if the rate is 60 miles per hour, both "miles" and "hours" should be included to clarify the comparison.
Some common examples of rates include:
Now that you understand rates, try solving these practice problems:
1. The car's speed is 60 miles per hour (240 miles / 4 hours = 60 mph).
2. The cost per pound of apples is $2 ($6 / 3 pounds = $2 per pound).