How it works

To share a quantity in a given ratio, add the parts of the ratio to find the total number of shares, then divide the quantity by this total to find the value of one share. Multiply the value of one share by each part of the ratio to find each person's or item's amount. Ratios can also be simplified or scaled to solve related problems.

The method

1. 1.Add the parts of the ratio to find the total number of shares
2. 2.Divide the total quantity by the number of sharesThis gives the value of one part
3. 3.Multiply the value of one part by each ratio number

Worked example

Share £60 in the ratio 2:3.

1. Total parts = 5, one part = 60÷5 = 12
2. Shares: 24 and 36

Worked example

Share 45 sweets in the ratio 4:5.

1. Total parts = 9, one part = 45÷9 = 5
2. Shares: 20 and 25

Common mistakes

• Dividing the total by the number of people instead of the number of parts
• Not adding all parts of the ratio before dividing
• Multiplying by the wrong ratio part for each share