Concept

A rate is a ratio that is used to compare different kinds of quantities. 
A unit rate describes how many units of the first type of quantity corresponds to one unit of the second type of quantity.

Rule

1. Write the ratio of the two quantities as a fraction. 

Quantity 1 per Quantity 2 means Quantity 1Quantity 2

2. Calculate unit rate by dividing the numerator by the denominator.

3. Make sure to include the units in the solution.

Example

Aaron reads 20 comic books for every 5 novels. How many comic books does he read per every novel?

Solution

1. Write the ratio of the two quantities as a fraction. 

20 comic books per 5 novels means 20 comic books5 novels

2. Calculate unit rate by dividing the numerator by the denominator.
Make sure to include the units in the solution.

20 comic books5 novels = 4 comic books per novel

Aaron has read 4 comic books for every novel.

Pre-requisite Skills

Equivalent Fractions (5.10.5)

Ratios and Fractions (6.6.2)

Divide Decimals by Whole Numbers (6.3.10)