Ratios and Proportions

Unit Rate

Find the unit rate by dividing the total by the count, expressing the result per one unit.

Example

Divide to describe a rate per one unit. A unit rate rescales a comparison so the second quantity equals one, making rates easy to compare and to apply. Dividing both amounts by the second quantity answers how much of the first corresponds to a single unit of the second, such as a price for one item or a speed per hour.

highlighted = computed this step

Step 1 — Set up

Set up the relationship.

6 for 36 \text{ for } 3
6 for 3unitsamount001224361 maps to 2The full line shows 6 amount units for 3 equal steps.

Step 2 — Divide for one unit

Divide to get one unit: 6 / 3 = 2.

6÷3=26 \div 3 = \hl{2}
2 for 1unitsamount001224361 maps to 2One step on the units line lines up with 2 on the amount line.

Step 3 — Scale back

Scale back to check: 2 x 3 = 6.

2×3=62 \times 3 = \hl{6}
2 x 3 = 6unitsamount00122436+2+2+23 copies of 2 rebuild the original total 6.

Step 4 — Unit rate

Read the final result.

2 per 12 \text{ per } 1
Unit rate: 2 per 1unitsamount001224361 maps to 2Read the aligned marks: 1 unit matches 2.
unit-rate To find a unit rate: - Divide the total quantity by the count. - The result is the rate per one unit.