Distinguishing part-to-part and part-to-whole ratios

Read the labels: red : blue compares two parts, whereas red : total compares a part with the whole.

  • Read the labels: red : blue compares two parts, whereas red : total compares a part with the whole.
  • The whole contains both categories. Add their amounts to find it.
  • A part-to-whole ratio is not the same as the part-to-part ratio.

Example 1

There are 6 red and 9 blue counters. Find red : blue and red : total.

The whole contains both colours.Part compared with the other part.Part compared with the whole.
Red : blue = . Red : total = .

Example 2

There are 12 red and 16 blue counters. Find red : blue and red : total.

The whole contains both colours.Part compared with the other part.Part compared with the whole.
Red : blue = . Red : total = .

Remember
Use the worked steps to check your method, not just the final answer.

Your turn

Question 1

There are 20 red and 25 blue counters. Find red : blue and red : total.

Check answer
The whole contains both colours.Part compared with the other part.Part compared with the whole.
Red : blue = . Red : total = .
Question 2

There are 30 red and 36 blue counters. Find red : blue and red : total.

Check answer
The whole contains both colours.Part compared with the other part.Part compared with the whole.
Red : blue = . Red : total = .
Question 3

There are 42 red and 49 blue counters. Find red : blue and red : total.

Check answer
The whole contains both colours.Part compared with the other part.Part compared with the whole.
Red : blue = . Red : total = .
Question 4

There are 21 red and 24 blue counters. Find red : blue and red : total.

Check answer
The whole contains both colours.Part compared with the other part.Part compared with the whole.
Red : blue = . Red : total = .
Question 5

There are 32 red and 36 blue counters. Find red : blue and red : total.

Check answer
The whole contains both colours.Part compared with the other part.Part compared with the whole.
Red : blue = . Red : total = .