Rate, Ratio and Proportion (率,比與比例)

Part 1: Concept and Example

1. Basic Knowledge Review
1.1 Speed
Speed is the distance travelled by an object in a unit of time.
i.e. speed = distance/time

Example: If a car travels a distance of 100 km in 2 hours, then the speed of the car
=100/2 =50 km/h.

50 km/h: The symbol‘/' stands for‘per'. km/h is read as kilometre per hour.

1.2.Similar Triangles
If two triangles are similar, then their corresponding sides are proportional.
i.e. If△ABC ~ △DEF , then AB / DE = BC / EF = CA / FD

Referring to the above two similar triangles, if BC=4cm, DE=2cm and EF=2.5cm,
then AB: 2 = 4 : 2.5
∴ AB = 3.2cm
2. Rate (率)

Rate is used by people in daily life, such as they work 40 hours per week or Peter types
45 words per minute.

Rate is the comparison of two quantities of different kinds by division. Rate must be
stated for units. e.g. 10km/h.

Example: Suppose the price of 5 kg rice is $ 105, then the rate =$105/5kg= $21/kg.

Example: A dozen eggs are sold at a price of 15.6 dollars.

The price rate =$15.6/12 eggs
= $1.3/egg

In the above examples, we can see that when we present a relationship as a rate,we
express the amount of one quantity as per unit of the other quantity, using the symbol
‘ / ’. (‘ / ’ means ‘ per’)

In daily life, speed is an important kind of rate. It can be expressed in different units,
such as m/s and km/h.

To compare which of the two given speeds is higher, we need to convert them into
same units.

Example: Mary can type 1,000 words in 25 minutes. Find

(a) her rate of typing in words/minute.
(b) her rate of typing in words/hour.
Solution:
(a) Rate of typing = 1,000/25
= 40 words/minute
(b) Rate of typing = 1,000/(25/60)
=2,400 words/hour
Example: Peter takes 2 hours to walk a distance of 7.44 km. Express his walking rate in
the following units:
(a) km/h
(b) m/min

Solution:
(a) His walking rate= 7.44/2
=3.72 km/h
(b) His walking rate= (7.44x1,000)/(2x60)
=62 m/min

Example: Mary bought two dozen of eggs for $36.

(a) Find the price of the eggs in $/egg.
(b) How much does Mary need to pay if she wants to buy four dozen of the eggs?
Solution
(a) Price of the eggs = 36/(2x12)
= $1.5/egg

(b) Amount that Mary needs to pay =1.5×(4x12)

=$72

Example: There were 2 accidents over a period of 5 000 man-hours. Find the accident
rate in accident/man-hour.

Solution:
Accident rate =2/5 000
= 0.0004 accident/man-hour

Example: Peter bought 10 apples weighing 1.5 kg for $60. Find the price of apples
(a) in $/piece.
(b) in $/kg.
Solution:
(a)1 The price of apples = 60/10
=$6/piece
(b)The price of apples = 60/1.5
=$40/kg
Example: 15 workers made 45 toys in 9 hours. Express the production rate in the
following units:
(a) toys/worker
(b) toys/hour

Solution:
(a) Production rate = 45/15
= 3 toys/worker
(b) Production rate = 45/9
= 5 toys/hour

Example: Tony can read 30 pages of a book in 60 minutes.

(a) Find his reading speed in pages/min.
(b) If he continues to read this book at the same rate, how many hours does he need
to read 75 pages of the book?
Solution:
(a) Tony’s reading speed = 30/60
= 0.5 pages/min
(b) Time needed to finish 75 pages of the book =75/0.5
= 150 min
=150/60 h
=2.5 h
Example: Suppose that 6 cartons of 250 mL lemon tea are sold for $15. Find the
price of lemon tea in $/L.
Solution
Volume of 6 cartons of lemon tea = 6 x 250 mL
= 1 500 mL
= 1.5 L
Price of lemon tea = 15/1.5
= $10/L
Example: Suppose that Renminbi (RMB) can be converted to Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
according to the exchange rate 0.8744 RMB/HKD.
(a) How much Renminbi can we get for HKD 2000?
(b ) If the exchange rate is decreased to 0.8546 RMB/HKD, how much Renminbi will
we get for the same amount of Hong Kong Dollars?
Solution:
(a) Amount of Renminbi we can get = 2000 x 0.8744
= RMB 1748.80
(b )Amount of Renminbi we will get = 2000 x 0.8546
= RMB 1709.20
Remarks:
Exchange rates are commonly expressed in different forms. In the above example, the
exchange rate 0.8744 CNY/HKD can also be expressed as 1.1436 HKD/CNY, correct to
4 decimal places.

Example: Suppose that we can exchange 1 Euro (EUR) for 7.85 HK dollars
(HKD) and 1 pound (GBP) for 8.95 HK dollars (HKD). How much pounds can
we exchange for 200 Euro? (Correct to 2 decimal places.)
Solution:
200 Euro = 7.85 x 200
= 1 570 HKD
Let m GBP can be exchanged for 1 570 HKD.
1 GBP : 8.95 HKD = m GBP : 1 570 HKD
8.95m= 1 x 1 570
m= 175.42 (cor. to 2 d.p.)
 175.42 GBP can be exchanged for 1 570 HK dollars.
i.e. 175.42 GBP can be exchanged for 200 Euro.
Example: Tony walked a distance at a speed of 5 km/h for 1.5 hours, then at a speed of
4.5 km/h for another 2 hours.
(a) Find the distance travelled by Tony.
(b) Find the average speed of Tony (cor. to 2 d.p.).
Solution:
(a) Distance travelled=(5×1.5+4.5×2)km
=16.5km
(b)Total time taken for the whole journey =1.5+2
=3.5 h
∴Average speed=16.5/3.5
=4.71 km/h

Example: Peter cycles 30 km in 72 minutes.

(a) Express Peter’s cycling speed in the following units:
(i) km/h (i）m/s
(b) If Tony cycles 32 km in 80 minutes , who cycles faster? Explain your answer.

Solution:
(a) (i) Peter’s cycling speed = 30 /(72/60)
= 25 km/h
(ii) Peter’s cycling speed = (30×1000)/(72×60)
= 125/18 m/s
(b) Tony’s cycling speed = 32/(80/60)
=24 m/s
∴ Peter’s cycling speed > Tony’s cycling speed
∴ Peter cycles faster than Tony.

Example: It is known that the speed of sound in air is 340 m/s. Peter is standing
at the beach in front of a cliff. He claps his hands and hears an echo after
1.5 seconds. What is the distance between Peter and the cliff?

Solution:
Let d m be the distance between Peter and the cliff.
2d = 340 x1. 5
d= 255
The distance between Peter and the cliff is 255 m.
Example: Tony took 2 hours to drive from City A to City B. The average speed for the
whole journey was 75 km/h. If the driving speed of the first 4/5 of the journey was 80
km/h, find
(a) the driving time of the first 4/5 of the journey
(b) the driving speed for the last 1/5 of the journey.

Solution:
(a) The distance between City A and City B =75 × 2
=150 km
For the first 4/5 of the journey, the distance=150x(4/5)
=120 km
∴ The driving time of the first 4/5 of the journey =120/80
=1.5 h
(b) For the last 1/5 of the journey,
the driving time= 2 -1.5 = 0.5 h
the distance= 150 x (1/5) =30 km
The driving speed for the last 1/5 of the journey = 30 /0.5 = 60 km/h

Example: Peter has $700 pocket money for 14 days. He spends a total of $240 in the
first 4 days .
(a) Find his rate of expenditure in $/day.
(b) If he continues to spend the money at the same rate, will he have enough money
for the rest of the days?
Solution:
(a) Rate of expenditure = 240/4
=$60/day
(b) Total amount of money needed for 14 days = 60 x 14
= $840
∵ He has only $700 which is less than $840
∴ He will not have enough money for the rest of the days.
3. Ratio (比)

3.1 Basic Concepts of Ratio

Ratio is the comparison of quantities of the same kind. It has no units. The ratio of a to
𝑎
b is usually expressed as a:b or 𝑏
,where a≠0 and b≠0. a and b are both called the
terms of the ratio.

We know that 70 : 20= 7:2, thus 70 : 20 and 7:2 are equivalent ratios (等比). 7:2 is the
simplest form of 70:20.

Example: There are 19 boys and 18 girls in a class.

The ratios of the number of boys to the number of girls = 19 : 18

In the ratio a:b, the order of the terms a and b is very important. In general, a:b≠b:a.
For example:
∵ 5:2=5/2= 2.5
2:5=2/5=0.4
∴ 5:2≠2:5

A rate must have units, such as $21/kg . However, a ratio does not have any units, such
as 2:3(=2/3) because ratio is the quotient of two quantities of the same kind.

A ratio a : b can be written as a fraction a/b. Moreover, we know that the value of the
fraction remains unchanged when we multiply (or divide) both the numerator and the
denominator by the same non-zero number k.
i.e. (i) a:b = a×k : b×k
(ii) a:b = a÷k : b÷k
where k ≠ 0 .

By making use of the above property, we can simplify a given ratio.

Example: There are 20 boys and 18 girls in a class.

Solution
Number of boys : number of girls = 20 : 18
= 10: 9
To obtain a ratio, the quantities involved of different units should be changed into
quantities of the same unit.

Example: 150 g salt is dissolved in 2 kg of water. Find the ratio of salt to water in
weight.
Solution
The weight of salt : the weight of water = 150g : 2 kg
= 150 g : 2 000 g
=3:4

k-method: If x : y = p : q , then x = kp and y= kq , where k is a non-zero constant.

Example: If a : b = 3 : 4 , find the ratio (2a+3b):(9a-5b) .

Solution
Let a=3k, b=4k
(2a+3b):(9a-5b) = [2x(3k) + 3x(4k)] : [9x(3k) - 5x(4k)]
= (6k+12k) : (27k-20k)
=18k :7K
=18 :7

Example: Simplify the following ratios.

1 1
(a) 15 : 25 (b) 0.2: 0.5 (c) : (d) 150 cm : 1.3 m
8 4

Solution
(a) 15 : 25 = 15/5 : 25/5 = 3 : 5

(b) 0.2: 0.5 = 0.2/0.5= 2/5 =2:5

1 1 1 1
(c) : = x8 : x8 = 1: 2 (Note: multiply each quantity by the LCM of 8 and 4 which is 8)
8 4 8 4

1 1 1 1 1 4 4
Alternative Solution : : = ÷ = x = = 1:2
8 4 8 4 8 1 8

(d ) 150 cm : 1.3 m = 150 cm : 130 m = 15:13

Example
(a) If a:10 = 16:8, find the value of a.
(b) If a : (10-a) = 2:3, find the value of a.
Solution:
(a) a:10 = 16:8
8a = 10x16
a=20
(b) a :(10-a)=2:3
2(10-a) = 3a
20-2a=3a
a=4

Example : Suppose that a and b are two non-zero numbers. Find the ratio a:b in
each of the following situations.
𝑎 𝑏
(a) 3a=5b (b) = (c) 2a-5b=0 (d) a:5 = b: 15
8 9
Solution:
(a) 3a=5b
a/b=5/3
∴ a:b = 5:3

𝑎 𝑏
(b) =
8 9
9a=8b
∴ a:b = 8:9
(c) 2a-5b=0
2a = 5b
∴ a:b = 5:2
Note: a:b = 5:2 does not mean that a=5, b=2. For example, when a=10, b=4,
we have a:b = 5:2
(d) a:5 = b: 15
15a=5b
∴ a:b = 5:15
=1:3
Example: If (a+b):(3a-5b)=9:11, find
(a) a : b
(b)(2a +3b):(4a+5b)
Solution:
(a) (a+b):(3a-5b)=9:11
9(3a-5b) = 11(a+b)
27a -45b = 11a+11b
16a=56b
a:b=56:16
=7 : 2
(b) Let a=7k, b=2k
(2a +3b):(4a+5b) =(2x7k+3x2k) : (4x7k+5x2k)
=20k : 38k
= 10 :19
Example : Peter is 150 cm tall. His father is 1.7m tall. Find the ratio of Peter's height to
that of his father.
Solution:
1.7m= (1.7x100) cm = 170cm
Peter's height: His father's height = 150 : 170
= 15:17

Example : There are 15 boys and 18 girls in a class. Find the ratios of
(a) the number of boys to the number of girls.
(b) the number of boys to the total number of students.
(c) the number of girls to the total number of students .

Solution
(a) Number of boys : number of girls = 15 : 18
= 5:6
(b) Total number of students =15+18=33
Number of boys : Total number of students =15:33
=5:11
(c) Number of girls: Total number of students =18:33
=6:11
Example : A sum of $ 160 is divided between Peter and Tony in the ratio 3:5. Find the
amount that each of them gets.

Solution
Amount that Peter gets = 3/(3+5) x 160
= $60
Amount that Tony gets = 5/(3+5) x 160
= $100

Example : Three children share $300. Peter gets 50% of the total amount. Tony gets
$63 less than Peter. Bob gets the rest. Find the ratio of
(a) Peter's share to Tony's share,
(b) Bob's share to Peter's share.

Solution:
(a) Peter's share=300x 50%=$150
Tony's share =150-63=$87
Peter's share : Tony's share = 150:87
=50:29
(b) Bob's share =300-150-87=$63
Bob's share : Tony's share = 63:87
=21:29

Example: There are 150 balls in a bag in two different colours, which are yellow and
red. The ratio of the number of yellow to that of red is 2:3.
Find the number of balls of each colour.
Solution:
Number of yellow balls = 150 x 2/(2+3)
= 60
Number of red balls = 150 x 3/(2+3)
= 90
Example: The ratio of the score of Peter to that of Tony in a Mathematics test is
9:7 and the score of Peter is 20 higher than that of Tony. Find the score of Tony in
the mathematics test.
Solution:
Let y be the score of Tony in the test, then the score of Peter is (y+20).
(y+20) : y = 9 : 7
9y=7(y+20)
y= 70
The score of Tony in the Mathematics test is 70.

Example: Peter and Tony have totally 50 candies. If Peter gives 1/4 of his candies to
Tony, the ratio of candies Peter has to those Tony has becomes 3:2.How many candies
does Peter originally have?
Solution:
Let y be the number of candies that Peter originally has, then the number of candies
that Tony originally has is (50-y)
(y – y/4) : [(50-y)+y/4] = 3:2
3 [(50-y)+y/4] = 2(y – y/4)
Solve this equation, y=40

∴ Number of candies that Peter originally has is 40.

Example: A stationery store sells two brands of pens (i.e. Brand A and Brand B).
The selling price of 17 pens in Brand A is the same as that of 15 pens in Brand B.
(a) Find the ratio of the unit selling price of Brand A to that of Brand B.
(b) If the unit selling price of Brand A is $7.5, how much does Peter pay for 4 pens
in Brand A and 5 pens in Brand B?

Solution:
(a) Let $m and $n be the selling prices Brand A and Brand B respectively.
∵ 17m = 15n
∴ m : n = 15 : 17
 The ratio of the unit selling price of Brand A to that of Brand B is 15:17.
(b) ∵ 17m = 15n, m= 7.5, ∴ 17 x 7.5 = 15n, n =8.5
Total amount paid by Peter = 4 x 7.5 + 5 x 8.5 = $72.5
Example: There are 300 balls in a bag (bag A) in two different colours, which are yellow
and red. 120 of the balls are yellow and the rest are red.
(a) Find the ratio of the number of yellow balls to that of red balls.
(b) There is another bag (bag B) which contains 240 yellow balls and some red balls. If
the ratio of the number of yellow balls to that of red balls in bag B is the same as that
in bag A, how many balls are there in bag B?
Solution:
(a) Number of red balls in bag A = 300 - 120
= 180
∴ Number of yellow balls : Number of red balls = 120 : 180
= 2:3

(b) Let n be the number of red balls in bag B

Since the ratio of the number of yellow balls to that of red balls in bag B is the same as
that in bag A , we have
240: n =2:3
2n=3x240
n=360
Total number of balls in bag B = 240 + 360
=600
∴ There are 600 balls in bag B.
3.2. Continued Ratio (聯比)
We have discussed ratios of two quantities. Actually, we can also use ratio to compare
three or more quantities of the same kind.

For example, the expression a:b:c=2:5:9 compares the 3 quantities a, b and c, which
represents a:b=2:5, b:c=5:9 and a:c=2:9.

The expression a:b:c is called a continued ratio.

Continued ratios can only be expressed in the form a:b:c. They cannot be expressed in
fractional form.

Like ratio of two quantities, a continued ratio a:b:c can be simplified in its simplest
form by multiplying (or dividing) the three terms by the same non-zero number.
i.e. (i) a:b:c = a×k : b×k: c×k
(ii) a:b :c = a÷k : b÷k : c÷k
where k ≠ 0.

Dividing a quantity in a given ratio: If a given quantity M is divided into three parts , say
P, Q and R in the ratio a : b : c , then
P= M x a/(a+b+c)
Q= M x b/(a+b+c)
R= M x c/(a+b+c)

Example: Simplify the following ratios.

(a) 60:70:90
(b) 0.8: 2: 1.4
(c ) 1/3 : 1/4 : 1/6
Solution
(a) 60:70:90 =60/10 : 70/10 : 90/10
=6:7:9
(b) 0.8: 2: 1.4 = 0.8 x10 : 2 x 10: 1.4 x 10
= 8 : 20: 14
= 8/2 : 20/2 : 14/2
= 4 : 10 : 7
(c ) 1/3 : 1/4 : 1/6 =(1/3) x12: (1/4)x12 : (1/6) x 12
=4:3:2
Example: Find a : b : c in each of the following.
(i) a:b=4:7 and b:c=3:8
(ii) a:b=5:7 and b:c=5:7
(iii) 5a=7b and b:c=3:4
Solution
(i) Method 1:
a:b=4:7 =4x3 : 7x3 = 12:21
b:c=3:8 =3x7 : 8x7 = 21:56

a:b = 12:21
b:c = 21:56
______________
a:b:c = 12:21:56

Remarks: Consider the common term b. We should find the L.C.M. of the two
corresponding numbers i.e 7,3.

Method 2:
a:b = 4 : 7
b:c = 3 : 8
_________________
a:b:c=4×3 : 7×3 : 7x8
=12 : 21 : 56

(ii) a:b = 5 : 7
b:c = 5 :7
_________________
a:b:c=5x5 : 7×5 : 7x7
=25 : 35 : 49

(iii) ∵5a=7b, ∴ a:b = 7:5

a:b = 7 : 5
b:c = 3 : 4
________________
a:b:c=7x3 : 5x3 : 5x4
=21 : 15 : 20
Example: If 1/a : 1/b : 1/c = 2:3:5, find the ratio of a:b:c.
Solution:
∵ 1/a : 1/b : 1/c = 2:3:5
∴ 1/a : 1/b = 2:3
2x(1/b) = 3x(1/a)
2/b = 3/a
2a = 3b
a:b = 3:2
Similarly, 1/b : 1/c = 3:5
3x(1/c) = 5x(1/b)
3/c = 5/b
3b = 5c
b:c=5:3
a:b = 3 : 2
b:c = 5 :3
_________________
a:b:c=3x5 : 2×5 : 2x3
=15 : 10 : 6

Example: If A, B and C share $1200 in the ratio 2:3:5, find the amount of money
each person gets.
Solution
The amount that A gets = 2/(2+3+5) x 1000
=$200
The amount that B gets = 3/(2+3+5) x 1000
=$300
The amount that C gets = 5/(2+3+5) x 1000
=$500

Example: A wire of length 24 m is cut into three pieces in the ratio 1:2:3.
Find the length of the longest piece.
Solution:
Length of the longest piece = 24 x 3/(1+2+3)
=12 m
Example : A sum of money is divided among A,B and C in the ratio of 2:3:4. If A gets
$360,find the total amount of money.
Solution:
Let T be the total amount of money.
360 = 2/(2+3+4) x T
T=$ 1,620

∴ The total amount of money is $ 1,620

Example: Peter, Tony and Bob share $4500. The ratio of Peter's share to Tony's share is
2:3.The ratio of Peter's share to Bob's share is 7:5. Find the amount that Peter gets.
Solution:
Peter's share : Tony's share=2:3
Peter's share : Bob's share=7:5
Tony's share : Peter's share =3:2
Peter's share : Bob's share = 7 :5
_________________________________________
Tony's share : Peter's share : Bob's share = 3x7 : 2×7 : 2x5
= 21 : 14 : 10

∴ Amount that Peter gets = 14/(21+14+10) x 4500 = $1400

Example : In a bag, there are some balls of three different colours which are yellow ,
pink and red. The number of balls of yellow, pink, and red are in the ratio 2:3:10.
Suppose 60 balls are yellow.
(a) Find the total number of balls in the bag.
(b) Find the difference between the numbers of pink ball and red ball.

Solution:
(a) Let N be the total number of balls in the bag.
N x 2/(2+3+10) = 60
N= 450
∴ The total number of balls in the bag is 300.

(b) The difference= 450 × 10/(2+3+10) -450 x 3/(2+3+10)]

= 210
∴ The difference between the numbers of pink ball and red ball is 210
Example: In a bag, there are 552 balls of three different colours which are yellow, pink
and red. The numbers of yellow balls and pink balls are in the ratio 2:3, and the
numbers of pink balls and red balls are in the ratio 5:7.
(a) Find the number of yellow balls : the number of pink balls : the number of red
balls .
(b) Find the number of balls of each colour.

Solution:
(a) Number of yellow balls: Number of pink balls =2:3
=10:15
Number of pink balls : Number of red balls =5:7
=15:21
∴ the number of yellow balls : the number of pink balls : the number of red balls
=10 :15 :21

(b) Number of yellow balls = 552 x 10/(10+15+21) =120

Number of pink balls =552 x 15/(10+15+21) =180
Number of red balls =552 x 21/(10+15+21) =252

Example: There are two different kinds of banknotes in a box: 50 notes and 10 notes.
The number of $50 notes and the number of $10 notes are in the ratio 2:3. If the total
amount of all these notes is $520, how many banknotes of each kind are there in the
box?

Solution:
Let the number of $50 notes be 2k, so, the number of $10 notes is 3k
50 x (2k) + 10 x (3k) = 520
100k+30k=520
130k=520
k=4
The number of $50 notes = 2x4 = 8
The number of $10 notes = 3x4 = 12
∴ There are 8 $50 notes and 12 $10 notes in the box.
3.3. Applications of Ratios
3.3.1 Similar Figures
We have learnt that if two figures have the same shape, but their sizes are not the
same, then the two figures are said to be similar. (Two figures with the same shape are
called similar figures.)

For example, the three pairs of figures below are all similar figures. If one of the figures
in each pair is enlarged or (reduced) by a certain scale factor, we can obtain the other
one.

Property of all similar figures: For two similar figures, the ratios of the corresponding
lengths (eg. sides, heights etc.) are equal.

For example, if below two triangles △ABC and △DEF are similar, then their
corresponding sides are proportional, i.e. AB / DE = BC / EF = CA / FD
Example : In the figure, two trapeziums are similar. Find x and y.

15

Solution:
Since the two trapeziums are similar, we have
15:10 =6: x
15x=10×6
x= 4

Example : In the figure, D is a point on BC such that BD:DC=3:2, AE⊥BC. find the ratio of
the area of △ABD to that of△ADC.

E D

Solution:
1
Area of△ABD = BDxAE
2

1
Area of△ADC = DCxAE
2

1 1
Area of △ABD : Area of△ADC = BDxAE : DCxAE
2 2
= BD:DC
=3:2
Example: Two rectangles ABCD and EFGH are similar. AB:EF=1:2, AD:EH=2:3
Find the ratio of the area of rectangle ABCD to that of rectangle EFGH .

Solution:
AB:EF=1:2, AD:EH=2:3
Area of ABCD = AB x AD
Area of EFGH = EF x EH
Area of ABCD : Area of EFGH = AB x AD : EF x EH
=(AB/EF) x (AD/EH)
= (1/2) x (2/3)
= 1:3
3.3.2 Scale Drawing

A scale drawing (比例圖) is used to represent an object that is too large or too small
to be drawn at actual size. In other words, a scale drawing is a reduced or an enlarged
drawing of a real object by using a specified ratio. The object drawn in the scale
drawing is similar to the original real object. A few examples are maps, floor plan ,
model cars, and model airplanes.

When we use scale drawing, we need to specify the ratio in which the object is
reduced or enlarged in the picture. This ratio is also a scale factor. In practice, this scale
factor is called the scale (比例尺) of the scale drawing.

A scale is usually represented in the form 1:n (when the object is reduced) or n:1
(when the object is enlarged).

When the scale is in the form 1: n , where n> 1 , then it is a reduced drawing.
When the scale is in the form n :1 , where n >1 , then it is an enlarged drawing.

Maps are a kind of scale drawing. The scale on a map is usually expressed as 1:n,
where n is a whole number greater than 1.

Scale of a map = Distance on the map : Actual distance = 1 : n

For example,
(a) If the map of Hong Kong has a scale of 1 : 400,000, this means that a length of 1 cm
on the map represents an actual length of 400,000 cm, i.e.,4 km.
(a) if we use a scale of 10 : 1 to draw an insert, this means that a length of 1 cm on the
drawing represents an actual length of 0.1cm.

If we measure the length of any parts of a figure in the scale drawing, we can calculate
the actual length of the corresponding parts of the real object using the scale.
Scale factor (比例因子): In general, if a figure is enlarged (or reduced), all lengths in
the figure will increase (or decrease) in a fixed ratio This fixed ratio is called scale factor
which is a positive number.

Scale factor =
any length in the enlarged (or reduced) figure/corresponding length in the original
figure

For an enlargement, the scale factor is larger than 1.

For a reduction, the scale factor is a positive number smaller than 1.

Floor plan (平面圖): A floor plan is a type of scale drawing that shows you the layout of
a flat. Floor plans typically illustrate the location of walls, windows, doors, and stairs
etc. The scale is usually expressed in the form 1:n.

Example : The scale of a map is 3 cm to 6 km. Express the scale in the form of 1 : n.
Solution:
6 km = (6×1000×100) cm = 600 000 cm
∴ The scale=3 : 600 000 =1 : 200 000

Example : If a distance of 12 cm on a map represents an actual distance of 10.8 km,

express the scale of the map in the form 1:n.
Solution
10.8 km =10.8 x 1,000 m = 10.8 x 1,000 x 100 cm =1,080,000 cm
12cm : 10.8km =1:n
12cm:1,080,000cm=1:n
12n =1,080,000
n=90,000
The scale of the map is 1:90 000.
Example: Peter sketched a scale drawing of a commercial building on a piece of
drawing paper. If the actual height of the building is 200 m, and the height of the
picture drawn is 8 cm, what is the scale of the figure?
Solution:
Let 1:n be the scale of the picture.
200 m = 200 x 100 cm =20,000 cm
8 cm:200m = 1:n
8 cm: 20,000 cm = 1:n
8n = 20,000 x 1
n = 2,500
∴ The scale of the drawing is 1:2500.

Example: It is given that the scale of a map is 1:2,000 000. If the actual length of a
railway is 500 km, find the length of the railway on the map.
Solution
Let y cm be the length of the railway on the map.
500 km = 500 x 1,000 m = 500 x 1,000 x 100 cm =50,000,000 cm
y cm : 500 km=1 : 2,000,000
y cm : 50,000,000 cm=1 : 2,000,000
2,000,000 y = 1 x 50,000,000
y=25 cm
∴ The length of the railway on the map is 25 cm.

Example : It is given that the scale of a map of a city 1:80,000.The distance between
two buildings on the map is 5 cm.
(a) Find the actual distance between the two buildings in km.
(b) If Peter walks at a speed of 1.25 m/s, how long (in min) does it take for him to walk
directly from one building to the other? (cor. to 2 d.p.)
Solution:
(a) Let y km be the actual distance between the two buildings.
5cm : ykm = 1:80,000
5cm : (y×1000×100)cm = 1: 80,000
100,000y = 5×80,000
y= 4
∴ The actual distance between the two buildings is 4 km.

b) Time taken=(4 x 1,000)/1.25 = 3,200s = 53.33 min (cor. to 2 d.p.)

Example: It is given that the scale of a map of a city is 1:50 000. Find
(a) the distance on a map in cm representing 2 km of actual distance.
(b) the actual length of a road in km if it is 20 cm on the map.
(c) the actual area of a piece of square land in km2 if it is 16 𝑐𝑚2 on the map.
Solution:
(a) Let the distance on a map be y cm.
y cm : 2 km = 1:50 000
y cm : (2×1 000×100)cm = 1: 50 000
50 000y = 1x2×1 000x100
y=4
∴ Distance on a map is 4 cm.
(b) Let actual length of a road be z km.
20 cm : z km = 1:50 000
20 cm : (z×1 000×100)cm = 1: 50 000
1xz×1 000x100 = 20 x 50 000
z= 10
∴ Actual length of the road is 10 km

(c) If the area of a square on the map is 1 𝑐𝑚2 ,

then the actual area = 50 000 cm x 50 000 cm
= 0.5 km × 0.5km
=0.25 km2
The actual area of the square land = 16 x 0.25
= 4 km2
Example: The scale of a map is 1 : 200. Find the actual area of a square garden
(in m2 ) with the dimensions of 5 cm x 5 cm on the map.

Solution:
Let actual length of the square garden y m.
5 cm : y m = 1:200
5 cm : (y×100) cm = 1: 200
1 x y × 100 = 5 x 200
y= 10
∴ Actual length of the square garden is 10 m
∴ Actual area of the square garden = 10 x 10
= 100 𝑚2
Example : The figure shows the floor plan of a flat with a scale 1:150. The length and
the width of the flat on the floor plan are 8 cm and 5 cm respectively.
(a) Find the actual length and width of the flat in m.
(b) Find the actual area of the flat in 𝑚2 .
(c) If the flat is sold at $9,000,000,find the rate of its price in $/𝑚2 .

Solution
(a) Let y m be the actual length of the flat.
8cm:(y x 100)cm=1:150
100y = 8×150
y=12 m
∴The actual length of the flat is 12 m.

Let z cm be the actual width of the flat.

5cm:(y x 100)cm=1:150
100y = 5×150
y=7.5 m
∴The actual width of the flat is 7.5 m.

(b) The actual area of the flat= 12 x 7.5

= 90 𝑚2
(c) The rate of the price for the flat=9,000,000/90
=$100,000/𝑚2
Example : The figure shows the floor plan of a flat. The width of the flat on the floor
plan is 5 cm and its actual width is 10 m.
(a) Find the scale of the floor plan in 1:n.
b) If the length of the flat is 10 cm on the floor plan, find the actual area of the flat.

Solution:
(a) 5cm:10m = 1:n
5cm: (10x100) cm = 1:n
5n=1,000
n=200
∴ The scale of the floor plan is 1: 200.

(b) Let y m be the actual length of the flats.

10cm:ym = 1:200
10cm:(yx100)cm = 1:200
100y=10x200
y=20
∴ The actual area of the flat= 20x10
= 200 𝑚2
4. Proportion (比例)

A proportion is an equation stating that two ratios or rates are equal. It is written in
𝑎 𝑐
the form a:b=c: d (or = ) . The proportion definition says that when two ratios or
𝑏 𝑑
rates are equivalent, they are in proportion.

Solving a proportion means to find an unknown quantity within a proportion. We can

do so using cross-multiplication.

4.1 Direct Proportion

Direct proportion (正比例) is the relation between two quantities where the ratio (or
rate) of the two is equal to a constant value. For example, x/y=k, where C is a
constant.
Some real-life examples of direct proportion are given below:
Work done is directly proportional to the number of workers.
Speed is in direct proportion to the distance with respect to a fixed time.

Assume N pens cost $M

Number of pens (N) 1 2 3 4 5
Money paid (M) 5 10 15 20 25
Relationship between M and N: M/N=5
We call M and N are in direct proportion.

If two quantities x and y are in direct proportion,

Quantity x 𝑥1 𝑥2
Quantity y 𝑦1 𝑦2
Then, for any two pair of values of x and y, we have

𝑦1 𝑦2
= or 𝑦1 ∶ 𝑦2 = 𝑥1 : 𝑥2
𝑥1 𝑥2

The relation can also be written as y/x = k (k is a constant)

∴ If two quantities x and y are in direct proportion, their quotient is always a constant.
Example: In the following tables, x is directly proportional to y. Find the values of
a,b,and c.
(a)
X 1 2 3 4
Y 5 a b c

(b)
X -1 a b -4
Y 5 10 15 c

Solution
(a) 5/1 =a/2 = b/3 =c/4
∴ a=10, b=15, c=20

(b) 5/(-1)=10/a=15/b=c/(-4)
∴ a=-2, b=-3,c=20

Example : It is given that the income of Tony is directly proportional to the number of
hours that he works. Tony gets $800 for 8 hours of work. How many hours has he
worked if he got $2 400?

Solution:
Let Tony has worked for y hours if he got $2 400

800 : 8 = 2 400: y
800y = 8 x 2 400
y= 24

∴ Tony has worked for 24 hours if he got $2 400

Example: It is given that the monthly income of Peter is directly proportional to the
number of hours that he works in a month. If Peter works 150 hours in a month, his
income in that month is $16 500. What is his monthly salary if he works 180 hours in a
month?

Solution
Let Peter’s his monthly salary be $y if he works 180 hours in a month.
16 500 : 150 = y : 180
150y = 180 x 16 500
y= $19 800

∴ Peter’s his monthly salary is $ 19 800 if he works 180 hours in a month.

Example: A printing machine takes 10 minutes to print 80 pages of a book. If the book
contains 400 pages, then how much time (in minutes) will it take to print total book by
this machine?

Solution
Let it will take y hours to print total book.
80 : 10 = 400 : y
80y = 10 x 400
y=50
∴ It will take 50 minutes to print total book.

Example: It is given that the monthly rent of a flat in a residential building is directly
proportional to its area. If the monthly rent of a flat of area 50 𝑚2 is $10 000 , find the
monthly rent of a flat of area 80 𝑚2 ?

Solution
Let the monthly rent of a flat of area 80 𝑚2 be $𝑦.
10 000 : 50 = y : 80
50y = 80 x 10 000
y= $16 000

∴ The monthly rent of a flat of area 80 𝑚2 is $16 000.

4.2 Inverse Proportion
Two quantities x and y are said to be in inverse proportion (反比例) if xy = k, where k is
a constant. That is, in inverse proportion, the product of the given two quantities is
equal to a constant value.

If 𝑥1 , 𝑥2 are the values of x and 𝑦1 , 𝑦2 are the values of y, then the above equation
can be re-written as 𝑥1 𝑦1 = 𝑘 , 𝑥2 𝑦2 = 𝑘 . So, 𝑥1 𝑦1 = 𝑥2 𝑦2 .

An example of inverse proportion would be the hours of work required to finish a job.
If there are more workers, the time taken to finish the job reduces.
Assume M pens are distributed among N students equally.

Number of student (N) 1 2 4 5 8

Number of pens got (M) 80 40 20 16 10
Relationship between M and N: MN =80
We call M and N are in inverse proportion.

If two quantities x and y are in inverse proportion,

Quantity x 𝑥1 𝑥2
Quantity y 𝑦1 𝑦2
Then, for any two pair of values of x and y, we have
𝑥1 𝑦1 = 𝑥2 𝑦2 or 𝑥1 / 𝑥2 = 𝑦2 / 𝑦1

The relation can also be written as xy = k (k is a constant)

∴ If two quantities x and y are in inverse proportion, their product is always a constant.

Example: It is given that x and y are in inverse proportion. Find the value of a, and c.

x 1 2 4 5
y 80 a b C
Solution:
1x80=2a, a=40
1x80=4b, b=20
1x80=5c, c=16

∴ a=40, b=20, c=16

Example: It is given that the number of people to paint a fence is inversely
proportional to the number of hours that they paint. 8 people can paint a fence in 6
hours. How long will it take 12 people to paint it?

Solution:
Let y be the number of hours needed.
12y=8x6
y= 4

∴ 12 people will take 4 hours to paint the fence.

Example: It is given that the number of hours required to finish a job is inversely
proportional to the number of worker available. If it takes 16 hours to finish the job
with 5 workers, how many workers are required to finish the job in 10 hours?

Solution:
Let y be the number of workers required.
10y=16x5
y= 8

∴ 8 workers are required to finish the job in 10 hours.

Example: It is given that the number of days with food provisions is inversely
proportional to the number of men joined a hostel. If 100 men joined the hostel, the
food provisions can last for 30 days. If 20 more men join the hostel, how long will these
food provisions last for ? (in days)

Solution:
Total men =100+20=120
Let y be the number of days with food provisions for 120 men.
120y=100x30
y= 25

∴ If 20 more men join the hostel, these food provisions can last for 25 days.
Part 2: Quiz (1)

1. Simplify: 2.5 : 0.55

Solution
2.5 : 0.55 = 250/55 = 50:11

2. Simplify 90¢ : $5
Solution
$5 = 5 x 100¢ = 500¢
 90¢ : $5 = 90¢ : 500¢
= 9: 50

3. Simplify 2.5 : 6.5 : 9.5

Solution

2.5 : 6.5 : 9.5 = 2.5x10 : 6.5x10 : 9.5x10

= 25 : 65 : 95
= 25/5 : 65/5 : 95/5
=5 : 13 : 19

4. It is given that a, b and c are non-zero. If 3a = 7b = 11c , find a : b : c.

Solution
∵ 3a = 7b = 11c
∴ 3a = 7b and 7b = 11c
∵ 3a = 7b ∴ a:b=7:3
∵ 7b = 11c ∴ b:c=11:7
a:b =7:3
b:c = 11 : 7
_________________
a:b:c=7x11 : 3x11 : 3x7
= 77 : 33 : 21
5. If 8: 3 = 7 : (8m + 1) , find the value of m.
Solution
8 (8m+1) = 3 x 7
64m+8 = 21
64m = 13
m=13/64

6. The weight of Peter was 46 kg three years ago. Now he weighs 16 kg more than three years ago.
Find the ratio of Peter’s weight three years ago to the current weight.

Solution
Present weight = 46 + 16 = 62 kg

 Weight three years ago : Current weight = 46 : 62

= 23 : 31

7. If the ratio of the sizes of three interior angles of a triangle is 2:3:4, find the size of the
smallest angle of the triangle. (Hint: The sum of interior angles of a triangle is 180.)

Solution
The smallest angle of the triangle = 180 x 2/(2+3+4)
= 40

8. If a:b =2:3, b:c =4 : 5. Given that a=160, find a+b+c

Solution
a:b = 2 : 3
b:c = 4:5
_________________
a:b:c=2x4 : 3x4 : 3x5
= 8 : 12 : 15
Let M = a+b+c
M x 8/(8+12+15) = 160
M= 700
a+b+c = 700
9. Tony goes to a tutoring center for tutoring Mathematics. He needs to pay tuition fee $1 500
for 5 lessons . Each lesson lasts for 2 hours, find the tuition fee of the lessons in $/hour.

Solution
Total time of 5 lessons = 5 x 2
= 10 hours
Tuition fee of the lessons = 1 500 / 10
= $150/hour

10. Suppose that 50 Euros (EUR) are equivalent to 392.50 Hong Kong Dollar (HKD).
(a) Find the exchange rate between EUR and HKD in HKD/Euro.
(b) How many HKD can 600 EUR change to?
(c) How many EUR can 2 355 HKD change to?

Solution:
(a) The exchange rate between EUR and HKD = 392.50/50
=7.85 HKD/Euro

(b) 600 EUR = 7.85 X 600

= 4 740 HKD
∴ 600 EUR can change to 4 740 HKD.

(c) 2 355 HKD =2 355/7.85

=300 EUR
∴ 2 355 HKD can change to 300 EUR

11. The distance between Hotel A and Hotel B is 10 cm on a map. If the scale of the map
is 1 : 80 000, find the actual distance between the 2 hotels.
Solution:
Let the actual distance between the 2 hotels be y km.
10cm : y km = 1:80 000
10cm : (y×1 000×100)cm = 1: 80 000
1 x y ×1 000 x 100 = 10 x 80 000
y=8
∴ The actual distance between the 2 hotels is 8 km.
12. The monthly salary of Peter is 5/4 that of David. The monthly salary of Tony is 3/2
that of David.
(a) Find the ratio of the monthly salaries of David, Peter, and Tony.
(b) If the sum of their monthly salaries is $45 000, find the monthly salary of David.

Solution:
(a) Let $y be the monthly salary of David, then
Monthly salary of Peter = $ 5y/4
Monthly salary of Tony =$ 3y/2

Monthly salaries of David : Monthly salaries of Peter : Monthly salaries of Tony.

= y : 5y/4 : 3y/2
= 1: 5/4 : 3/2
=4 : 5 : 6

(b) Monthly salary of David = 45 000 x 4/(4+5+6)

= $12 000

13. It is given that a car travels at a constant speed. If the car travels 150 km in 3 hours, how far does
the car travel in 5 hours?

Solution
Let the car can travel y km in 5 hours.
150 : 3 = y : 5
3y = 5 x 150
y= 250

∴ The car can travel 250 km in 5 hours.

14. It is given that the number of hours required to fill in a tank is inversely proportional to the number
of pipes available. 8 pipes are required to fill a tank within 4 hours. How long the tank will take to be
filled if there are 10 pipes.

Solution:
Let y be the number of hours needed.
10y=8x4
y= 3.2
∴ it will take 3.2 hours for the tank to be filled if there are 10 pipes.
Part 2: Quiz (2)

7 5
1. Simplify : :
2 3
Solution

7 5 7 5
: = /
2 3 2 3

7 3
= x
2 5
21
=
10
=21 : 10

2. Simplify: 0.6 km : 800 m : 9 000 cm

Solution
0.6 km = (0.6 x 1 0000) m = 600m
9 000 cm = (9 000 /100) m =90m

0.6 km : 800 m : 9 000 cm = 600m : 800m : 90m

= 600 : 800 : 90
= 600/10 : 800/10 : 90/10
=60 : 80 : 9

3. It is given that a:b=3:4 and b:c=5:6. Find a : b : c.

Solution
a:b = 3 : 4
b:c = 5:6
_________________
a:b:c=3x5 : 4x5 : 4x6
=15 : 20 : 24

4. If 3: 7 = m :14 , find the value of m.

Solution
3: 7 = m :14
7m = 3 x 14
m =6
5. If m is 1.35 times of n, find m:n.
Solution
m = 1.35n
100m = 135n
m:n = 135:100
= 27 : 20

6. If a:b=5:3 and b=81, find the value of a+b.

Solution
∵ a:b=5:3 and b=81
∴ a:81=5:3
3a = 81 x 5
a=135
∴ a+b= 135+81
= 216

7. There are three sections (A, B and C) in a Mathematics test. The total score of this test is 100.
If the ratio of the scores of sections A, B and C is 2:3:5. Find the total score in section A.

Solution
Total score in section A = 100 x 2/(2+3+5)
= 20

8. A sum of money is shared among David, Peter and Tony. David’s share is 5/6 of Peter’s
and 5/7 of Tony’. If David gets $1 000, find the total amount of money.

Solution
∵ Amount of money got by Peter x 5/6 = 1 000
∴ Amount of money got by Peter = 1000 x (6/5)
=$1 200
∵ Amount of money got by Tony x 5/7 = 1 000
∴ Amount of money got by Tony = 1000 x (7/5)
=$1 400

 Total amount of money= 1 000 + 1 200 + 1 400

=$3 600
9. Peter can type 100 words in 2 minutes. Tony can type 24 words in 30 seconds. Find the ratio of
the typing speed of Peter to that of Tony.

Solution
Typing speed of Peter = 100 words/2 minutes = 50 words/minute
Typing speed of Tony = 24 words/30 seconds = 24 words/(30/60) minute =48 words/minute
Typing speed of Peter : Typing speed of Tony =50 : 48
= 25:24
10. It is given that the scale of a map is 1 cm : 500 m. What is the distance on the map for the
actual distance of 12 km?

Solution
Let y cm be the distance on the map .
12 km = 12 x 1 000 m = 12 000 m
1 cm : 500 m = y cm : 12 000 m
500y = 1 x 12 000
y= 24

∴The distance on the map is 24 cm for the actual distance of 12 km.

11. There are 900 students in a Secondary School. Among them, 468 are male students.
(a) Find the ratio of the number of male students to the total number of students.
(b) Find the ratio of the number of female students to the total number of students.
(c) Find the ratio of the number of male students to that of female students.

Solution
(a) Number of male students : Total number of students = 468 : 900
=13 : 25
(b) Number of female students = 900 - 468 = 432
Number of female students : Total number of students = 432 : 900

= 12 : 25

(c) Number of male students : Number of female students = 468:432

= 13 : 12
12. David has $ y originally. He gives 2/9 of the money to Peter, then he gives 3/7 of the rest to
Tony.
(a) After David gives the money to Peter and Tony, find the ratio of amount of David, Peter ,
and Tony.
(b) If Peter gets $100, find the amount that Tony gets.

Solution
(a) Amount that Peter gets = 2y/9
Amount that Tony gets = (y-2y/9)x(3/7)
= y/3
Required ratio = (y-2y/9-y/3) : 2y/9 : y/3
= 4y/9 : 2y/9 : y/3
=4 : 2 : 3

(b)  Amount that Peter gets : Amount that Tony gets = 2 : 3, Amount that Peter = $100
 100 : Amount that Tony gets = 2 : 3
Amount that Tony gets = 3 x 100 /2
=$ 150

13. It is given that Tony walks at a constant speed. If Tony takes 2 hours in walking a distance of 7
km. What distance would he cover in 3 hours?

Solution
Let the distance travelled in 3 hours be y km.
7: 2 = y : 3
2y = 7x3
y= 10.5
∴ Tony cover 10.5 km in 3 hours.

14. It is given that the number of workers in a factory to complete a task is inversely proportional to the
number of days that they work. If 10 workers can complete a task in 18 days, how many days would it
take for 15 workers to finish the same task?

Solution:
Let y be the number of days needed.
15y=10x18
y= 12
∴ 12 days are needed to finish the same task if there are 15 workers.
Part 3: Challenging Questions (思考題)
(*=Level 1, **=Level 2, ***=Level 3)

*1. 甲、乙兩校原有圖書本數的比是 7：5，如果甲校給乙校 650 本，甲、乙兩校圖書本數

的比就是 3：4. 原來甲校有圖書多少本？

*2. A、B 兩種商品的價格比是 7 ：3. 如果它們的價格分別上漲 70 元，它們的價格比就

變成 7 ：4，這兩種商品原來的價格各是多少元？

*3. 如圖是甲、乙、丙三地的線路圖，已知甲地到丙地的路程與乙地到丙地的路程比是 1:2.

王剛以每小時 4 千米的速度從甲地步行到丙地，李華同時以每小時 10 千米的速度從乙地騎自
行車去丙地，他比王剛早 1 小時到達丙地. 甲、乙兩地相距多少千米？

甲 丙 乙

*4.某品牌變速自行車前齒輪的齒數為 36 個，后齒輪有 2 檔，其齒數分別為 9 和 12 個，如果

前輪轉了 3 圈，那麼不同檔位下的后齒輪分別轉了多少圈？

*5. 甲、乙兩人步行速度(千米/時)之比是 3∶2，甲、乙分別由 A，B 兩地同時出發，若相向而

行，則 1 時後相遇. 若同向而行，則甲需要多少時間才能追上乙？

*6. 小麗調製了兩杯蜂蜜水，第一杯蜂蜜和水的體積比是 1∶8，第二杯蜂蜜和水的體積比

是 3∶25.

a.第一杯蜂蜜水的體積是 450 毫升，那麼蜂蜜和水各多少毫升？

b. 對於第二杯蜂蜜水，如果加入蜂蜜 27 毫升，那麼需要水多少毫升才能按第二杯的比配
製？

c.按第二杯的比配製，用 500 毫升水能配製這種蜂蜜水多少毫升？

* 7. 甲乙兩校參加數學競賽的人數之比是 7：8，獲獎人數之比是 2：3，兩校各有 320 人未

獲獎，那麼兩校參賽的學生共有_____ 人。
*8. 一種農藥，用藥液和水按照 1：1500 配製而成.

a. 要配製這種農藥 750.5 千克，需要藥液與水各多少千克？

b. 現在只備有 600 千克的水，要配製這種農藥，需要多少千克藥液？

c. 如果現在只有 3 千克的藥液，能配置這種農藥多少千克？

*9. 某工廠有一批煤，原計劃每天燒 12 噸，可以燒 50 天，採取了節能措施后，每天比原計劃

節約 1/5，問這批煤可以燒多少天？

* 10. 甲班和乙班的人數之比是 8:7，如果將甲班的 8 名同學調到乙班去，則甲班和乙班的人

數比變為 4:5.求乙班原來的人數.

**11. 兩個相同的瓶子裝滿酒精溶液。 一個瓶中酒精與水的體積之比是 3：1，另一個瓶中酒

精與水的體積之比是 4：1 若把兩瓶酒精溶液混合，混合液中酒精與水的體積之比是多少？

*12. 某工廠製造一批機床，3 天生產了 21 台，結果再生產 12 天就完成了任務，則這批機床共

有多少台？

**13. 製造一個零件，甲需 6 分鐘，乙需 5 分鐘，丙需 4.5 分鐘。 現在有 1590 個零件的製造

任務分配給他們三個人，要求在相同的時間內完成，每人應該分配到多少個零件？

**14. 甲、乙兩個學生放學回家，甲要比乙多走 1/5 的路，而乙走的時間比甲少 1/11，求甲、

乙兩人速度的比.

**15. 把一根木料鋸成 6 段要用 10 分鐘，那麼用同樣的速度, 把這根木料鋸成 8 段要用多長

時間？

**16. 甲、乙廠兩個服裝廠一個月內生產服裝的數量是 6 ：5，兩廠西服價格的比是 11 ：10.

已知兩廠這個月內總產值為 69 600 000 元. 兩個服裝廠的產值各是多少元？

**17. 一項公路的修建工程被平均分成兩份承包給甲、乙個工程隊建設，兩個工程隊建設了
相同多的一段時間后，分別剩下 60% 、 40% 的任務沒有完成，已知兩個工程隊的工作效率
（建設速度）之比 3 :1 ， 求這兩個工程隊原先承包的修建公路長度之比.
**18. 一段路程分為上坡、平路、下坡三段，各段路程的長度之比是 1∶2∶3，某人走這三段
路所用的時間之比是 4∶5∶6。 已知他上坡時每小時行 2. 5 千米，路程全長為 20 千米。 此
人走完全程(=上坡、平路、下坡三段)需多長時間？

**19. 師徒二人加工一批零件，師傅加工一個零件用 9 分鐘，徒弟加工一個零件用 15 分鐘.

完成任務時，師傅比徒弟多加工 100 個零件，求師傅和徒弟一共加工了多少個零件？

**20. 一把小刀售價 3 元. 如果小明買了這把小刀，那麼小明與小強剩餘的錢數之比是 2：5;

如果小強買了這把小刀，那麼兩人剩餘的錢數之比變為 8：13. 小明、小強原來各有多少錢？

**21.甲本月收入的錢數是乙收入的 5/8，甲本月支出的錢數是乙支出的 3/4，甲結餘 240 元，

乙結餘 480 元. 甲本月收入多少元？ 甲本月支出多少元？

***22. 某工廠共有 86 個工人，已知每個工人可以每天加工甲種零件 15 個, 或乙種零件 12 個，

或丙種零件 9 個.而 3 個甲種零件，2 個乙種零件，1 個丙種零件恰好配成一套，問如何安排工
人工作才可使加工好的零件配套？

***23. 某俱樂部男、女會員的人數之比是 3 : 2 ，分為甲、乙、丙三組. 已知甲、乙、丙三組的

人數比是 10 : 8 : 7 ，甲組中男、女會員的人數之比是 3 :1 ，乙組中男、女會員的人數之比是 5 : 3 .
求丙組中男、女會員人數之比.
Part 4: Further Reading (延伸閱讀)

1. 比
1.1 比和比值
a,b 是兩個數或兩個同類的量，為了把 b 和 a 相比較，將 a 與 b 相除，叫做 a 與
b 的比(ratio). 記作 a:b，或寫成 a ，其中 b  0 ；讀作 a 比 b,或 a 與 b 的比．
b

a 叫做比的前項，b 叫做比的後項.
前項 a 除以後項 b 所得的商叫做比值.
1.2 比、分數和除法的關係

比、分數和除法 關係 區別
比 前項 ：後項 = 比值 比是表示兩個數關係的式子.

分數 分子 分數是一個數.
= 分數值
分母

除法 被除數÷除數 = 商 除法是一種運算.
說明:
比的前項相當於分數的分子和除式中的被除數;
比的後項相當於分數的分母和除式中的除數;
比值相當於分數的分數值和除式的商.

求兩個同類量的比值時，如果單位不同，必須把這兩個量化成相同的單位.

1.3 比的基本性質
比的前項和後項同時乘以或除以相同的數(0 除外)，比值不變.

1.4 最簡整數比
比的前項和後項都是整數且互素，這樣的比叫做最簡整數比.
注：題目中比的結果都必須化成最簡整數比．

1.5 三連比的性質
(1) 如果 a : b = m : n ， b : c = n : k ，那麼 a : b : c = m : n : k

(2) 如果 k  0 ，那麼 a : b : c = ak : bk : ck .
2. 比例
2.1 比例
a,b,c,d 四個量中，如果 a:b = c:d，那麼就說 a,b,c,d 成比例，也就是表示

兩個比相等的式子叫做比例(Proportion).
a c
=
比例 a:b = c:d 也可以表示為 b d .

組成比例的四個數(a,b,c,d)叫做比例的項. a,b,c,d 分別叫做第一,二,三,四比

例項.

2.2 比例外項和比例內項
如果 a:b = c:d，那麼第一比例項 a 和第四比例項 d 叫做比例外項，第二比例項
b 和第三比例項 c 叫做比例內項.

2.3 比例中項
對於一個比例而言，如果兩個比例內項相同，即 a:b=b:c，那麼把 b 叫做 a 和 c
的比例中項.

2.4 設 k 法
若 A : B = a : b，可設 A = ak，B = bk，其中 k  0 ，
那麼 A + B = ak + bk = ( a + b ) k ， A − B = ak − bk = ( a − b ) k

2.5 比例的基本性質
在比例里，兩個外項的積等於兩個內項的積，這叫做比例的基本性質.
用字母表示為：如果 a : b = c : d 或 a = c （b，d 均不為 0），那麼 ad = bc .
b d

2.6 比例的其它性質
性質 1：若 a : b = c ：d，則 (a + c) ：(b + d) = a ：b = c ：d
性質 2：若 a : b = c ：d，則 (a - c) ：(b - d) = a ：b = c ：d
性質 3：若 a: b = c ：d，則 (a + k c) ：(b +k d) = a ：b = c ：d (k 為常數)
(同學們試一下自己證明這些比例式)
2.7 和差關係與比例分配
(1) 已知兩個量的數量比與數量和
兩個量 A、B，數量之比為 a:b，數量之和為 x ，
ax bx
則 A 的數量為 ，B 的數量為 ．
a+b a+b

舉例:公園中柳樹和楊樹的共 40 棵,且棵數之比為 5:3，那麼柳樹和楊樹各

有多少棵？
解答:
5
柳樹的棵數為：  40=25 （棵）
5+3

3
楊樹的棵數為：  40=15 （棵）
5+3

柳樹有 25 棵，楊樹有 15 棵.

(2) 已知两个量的数量比与数量差
兩個量 A、B，數量之比為 a:b（a>b），數量之差為 x ，
ax bx
則 A 的數量為 ，B 的數量為 ．
a−b a−b

舉例:師徒兩人加工一批零件，師傅和徒弟的工作效率之比為 7:4，完成任務時，
師傅比徒弟多加工了 90 個零件，求這批零件的總數.
解答:
7
師傅加工零件個數為： 7 − 4  90 = 210 （個）
4
徒弟加工零件個數為： 7 − 4  90 = 120 （個）

這批零件的總數= 210 + 120 = 330 （個）

2.8 主要比例轉化實例
x a y b x y a b
① =  = ； = ； =
y b x a a b x y

x a mx a x ma
② =  = ； = (m  0)
y b my b y mb

x a x a x − y a −b x+ y a+b
③ =  = ； = ； =
y b x+ y a+b x a x − y a −b

x a y c
④ = ， =  x : y : z = ac : bc : bd
y b z d
3. 比和比例的聯繫和區別

比和 意義 項數 區別 基本性質
比例

比 表示兩個數 2項 比是一個式子 比的前項和後項同時乘或除以同

相除 一個數(0 除外)，比值不變.
(除法算式)

比例 表示兩個比 4項 比例是一個等式 在比例裏，兩個外項的積等於兩

相等 個內項的積.

4. 正比例和反比例
4.1 認識變化的量
生活中存在著許多相互依存的變化的量，一個量變化，另一個量也隨著變化.
例如：
（1）一天中的氣溫隨著時間的變化而變化.
（2）汽車行駛的路程隨著時間的變化而變化.
（3）生產總量隨著天數的變化而變化.
（4）正方形的周長隨著邊長的變化而變化.
（5）人的體重隨著年齡的變化而變化.
4.2 正比例
正比例的意義: 兩種相關聯的量，一種量變化，另一種量也隨著變化，如果這兩
種量中相對應的兩個數的比值（也就是商）一定, 這兩種量就叫做成正比例的
量，它們的關係叫做正比例關係.
用式子表示：如果用字母 x 和 y 表示兩種相關聯的量，用 k 表示它們的比值(一
定)，則正比例關係可以表示為：y/x=k.
怎樣判斷兩種量是否成正比例關係呢？先判斷兩種量是不是相關聯的量，一種量
是不是隨著另一種量的變化而變化,再看這兩個量中相對應的兩個數的比值是否
一定.

例子:
時間×速度=路程. 如果速度一定，則路程和時間成正比例.
數量×單價=總價. 如果單價一定，則總價和數量成正比例.
工作時間×工作效率=工作總量. 如果工作效率一定，則工作總量和工作時間
成正比例.
舉例：文具店有一種鉛筆，銷售的數量與總價的關係如下表.

數量/支 1 2 3 4 5

總價/元 3.5 7 10.5 14 17.5

(1) 表中有哪兩種量？ 它們是不是相關聯的量？

(2) 總價是怎樣隨著數量的變化而變化的？
(3) 寫出上述這兩種量(共 5 組)中相對應的兩個數的比值，並比較大小，
說一說這個比值表示什麼.
(4) 總價與數量成正比例嗎？ 為什麼？

解答:
(1) 兩種量: 數量和總價.它們是相關聯的量.
(2) 總價是隨數量的增加而增加的.
(3) 兩個數的比值: 3.5/1=3.5, 7/2=3.5, 10.5/3=3.5, 14/4=3.5, 17.5/5=3.5
比較大小: 比值相等. 這個比值表示鉛筆的銷售單價.
(4) 總價與數量成正比例. 因為總價與數量的比值一定.
4.3 反比例
反比例的意義:兩種相關聯的量，一種量變化，另一種量也隨著變化，如果這兩
種量中相對應的兩個數的乘積一定，這兩種量就叫做成反比例的量，它們的關係
叫做反比例關係.
用式子表示：如果用字母 x 和 y 表示兩種相關聯的量，用 k 表示它們的乘積(一
定)，則反比例關係可以表示為：xy=k.
怎樣判斷兩種量是否成反比例關係呢？先判斷兩種量是不是相關聯的量，一種量
是不是隨著另一種量的變化而變化,再看這兩個量中相對應的兩個數的乘積是否
一定.

例子:
時間×速度=路程. 如果路程一定，則速度和時間成反比例.
數量×單價=總價. 如果總價一定，則單價和數量成反比例.
工作時間×工作效率=工作總量. 如果工作總量一定，則工作效率和工作時間
成反比例. (工作效率是指單位時間內完成的工作量.)

舉例：鍋爐房燒煤的天數與每天燒煤的噸數如下表:

每天燒煤的噸數/噸 1 1.5 2 2.5 3

燒煤的天數/天 30 20 15 12 10

(1) 表中有哪兩種量？ 它們是不是相關聯的量？

(2) 燒煤的天數是怎樣隨著每天燒煤的噸數的變化而變化的？
(3) 寫出上述這兩種量(共 5 組)中相對應的兩個數的積，並比較大小，
說一說這個積表示什麼.
(4) 燒煤的天數與每天燒煤的噸數成反比例嗎？ 為什麼？

解答:

(1) 兩種量:每天燒煤的噸數和燒煤的天數.它們是相關聯的量.
(2) 燒煤的天數隨著每天燒煤的噸數的變大而不斷變小.
(3) 兩個數的積: 1×30=30,1.5×20=30, 2×15=30,2.5×12=30, 3×10=30.
比較大小: 積相等. 這個積表示這批煤的總噸數.
(4) 燒煤的天數與每天燒煤的噸數成反比例，因為燒煤的天數與每天燒煤的
噸數的積一定. 21 教育网
4.4 正比例和反比例的相同點和不同點
相同點:都是兩種相關聯的量，一種量隨著另一種量的變化而變化.
不同點:
正比例 反比例
1. 變化的方向相同，一種量擴大 變化的方向相反，一種量擴大
(縮小)，另一種量也擴大(縮小). (縮小)，另一種量反而縮小(擴大).
2 相關聯的兩個量相對應的兩個數的 相關聯的兩個量相對應的兩個數的
比值（商）一定. 乘積一定.
3 關係式 y/x=k(一定) 關係式：xy=k(一定)

4.5. 判斷題 (正比例)

(1) 蘋果的單價一定，購買蘋果的數量和總價成正比例.
解答:

(1) √. 解析：總價÷購買蘋果的數量= 單價(一定).

因為總價和購買蘋果的數量的商一定，所以總價和購買蘋果的數量成正比例.

(2) 輪船行駛的速度一定，行駛的路程和時間成正比例.
解答:

(2) √. 解析：行駛的路程÷時間= 速度(一定).

因為行駛的路程和時間的商一定，所以行駛的路程和時間成正比例.

(3) 每小時織布米數一定，織布的米數和時間成正比例.
解答:

(3) √. 解析: 織布的米數÷時間= 每小時織布米數(一定 ).

因為織布的米數和時間的商一定，所以織布的米數和時間成正比例.

(4)幼兒園老師分給每個小朋友的餅乾的塊數一定，小朋友的人數和所需的餅乾
數成正比例.
解答:

(4) √. 解析:所需的餅乾數÷小朋友的人數=每個小朋友的餅乾的塊數(一定).
因為所需的餅乾數和小朋友的人數的商一定，所以所需的餅乾數和小朋友的人數
正比例.
( 5) 訂閱《ABC 年報》的單價一定，訂閱的錢數和份數成正比例.
解答:

(5) √. 解析:錢數÷份數=單價(一定).
因為錢數和份數的商一定，所以錢數和份數成正比例.

(6) 小明跳高的高度和他的身高成正比例.
解答:

(6) ×. 解析：因為小明跳高的高度和他的身高的商不是一定的，所以小明跳高
的高度和他的身高不成正比例.

( 7) 長方形的寬一定，它的面積和長成正比例.
解答:

(7) √. 解析:長方形的面積÷長=寬(一定).
因為長方形的面積和長的商一定，所以長方形的面積和長成正比例.

(8) 長方形的寬一定，它的周長和長成比例.
解答:

(8) ×. 解析：長方形的周長÷2 - 長=寬(一定).

因為長方形的周長和長的比值不是一定的，所以長方形的周長和長不成正比例.

( 9) 小麥的每公頃產量一定，小麥的總產量和公頃數成正比例.
解答:

(9) √. 解析: 總產量÷小麥的公頃數=小麥的每公頃產量(一定).

因為小麥的總產量和公頃數的比值一定，所以小麥的總產量和公頃數成正比例.

(10) 平行四邊形的高一定，它的面積和底成正比例.
解答:

(10) √. 解析:平行四邊形面積÷底=平行四邊形的高(一定).
因為平行四邊形的面積和底的商一定，所以平行四邊形面積和底成正比例.

(11) 三角形的高一定，它的面積和底成正比例.
解答:

(11) √. 解析:三角形的面積÷底=(1/2)x 高 (一定）.

因為三角形的面積和底的商一定，所以三角形的面積和底成正比例.
(12) 圓的周長和半徑成正比例.
解答:

(12) √. 解析: 圓的周長÷半徑=2π (一定).

因為圓的周長和半徑的商一定，所以圓的周長和半徑成正比例.

(13) 圓的面積和半徑成正比例.
解答:

(13) ×. 解析: 圓的面積÷半徑 =π 半徑 (不一定）

因為圓的面積和半徑的商不是一定的，所以圓的面積和半徑不成正比例.

(14) 甲地到乙地，已行的路程和剩下的路程成正比例
解答:

(14) ×. 解析: 已行的路程 + 剩下的路程 = 總路程 (一定).

因為已行的路程和剩下的路程的商不是一定的，所以已行的路程剩下的路程不成
正比例.

(15) 小明要做了 12 道數學題，做完的題和沒做的題成比例.

解答:

(15) ×. 解析: 做完的題 + 沒做的題 = 12 (一定).

因為做完的題和沒做的題的商不是一定的，所以做完的題和沒做的題不成正比
例.

(16) 甲班的出勤率一定，出勤人數和全班人數成正比例.
解答:

(16) √. 解析:出勤人數÷全班人數 = 出勤率 (一定).

因為出勤人數和全班人數的商一定，所以出勤人數和全班人數成正比例.
4.6. 判斷題 (反比例)
1 1
(1) 若 x= y(x≠0,y≠0),則 x 和 y 成反比例.
2 3
解答:
1 1 1 1 𝟐 𝟐
(1) ×. 解析：由 x= y 可知 x:y = : = ，其中 是定值，即 x 与 y 的比值
2 3 3 2 𝟑 𝟑

一定，所以 x 与 y 成正比例.

(2) 小剛做 10 道題，已做的和未做的成反比例.

解答:

(2) ×. 解析：因為已做的題目+未做的題目=10 道題（一定），這是和一定而不

是乘積一定，所以已做的題目和未做的題目不成反比例.

(3) 被除數一定，除數和商成反比例.
解答:

(3) √. 解析：由’被除數÷除數=商’可推導出’除數 x 商=被除數’.

因為被除數一定，所以除數和商的乘積一定，所以除數和商成反比例.

(4) 全班學生的總人數一定，出勤率和出勤人數成反比例.
解答:

(4) ×. 解析：由’出勤人數/總人數=出勤率’可推導出’出勤人數/出勤率=總
人數’. 因為總人數一定，所以出勤人數和出勤率的比值(商)一定，所以出勤人
數和出勤率成正比例.

(5) 如果 ab+5=12，那麼 a 與 b 成反比例.

解答:

(5) √.解析：由 ab+5=12 可推導出 ab=12-5=7（一定），即 a 與 b 的乘積一定，

所以 a 與 b 成反比例.

(6) 圓周率和直徑成反比例.
解答:

(6) ×. 解析：圓周率不是一個變量, 而是一個定值，所以圓周率和直徑不成反比

例.
5.比例解行程問題
比例在解很多應用題時有著“得天獨厚”的優勢，往往體現在方法的靈活性和思
維的巧妙性上，使得一道看似很難的題目變得簡單、明了. 比例的技巧可用於解
行程問題，工程問題和分數百分數應用題等等.
我們常常會應用比例的工具分析兩個物體在某一段相同路線上的運動情況，我們
將甲、乙的速度、時間、路程分別用 v甲 , v乙；t甲 , t乙；s甲，s乙 來表示，大體可分為以
下兩種情況：
(1) 當兩個物體運行速度在所討論的路線上保持不變時，經過同一段時間後，
他們走過的路程與他們的速度成正比.
 s甲 = v甲  t甲
 ，這裡因為時間相同，即 t = t = t ，又因為 t甲 = s甲 ，t乙 = s乙
 s乙 = v乙  t乙
甲 乙
v甲 v乙

s甲 s乙 s甲 v甲
所以: t = = =
v甲 v乙 , 即 s乙 v乙

有此可見,在同一段時間 t 內, 甲、乙走過的的路程與他們的速度成正比.
（2） 當兩個物體運行速度在所討論的路線上保持不變時，走過相同的路程時，
他們所用的時間與他們速度的的成反比.
 s甲 = v甲  t甲
 , 這裡因為路程相同，即 s = s = s ,
s =
乙 乙 乙 v  t 甲 乙

又因為 s甲 = v甲  t甲，s乙 = v乙  t乙
v t
所以, s = v甲  t甲 = v乙  t乙 , 即 甲 = 乙 .
v乙 t甲

有此可見, 在同一段路程 s 上, 甲、乙所用的的時間與他們的速度成反比.