How to explain word problems in sharing quantities in ratios to your student
27 October 2026
When your child faces a word problem about sharing an amount in a ratio, it helps to break the task into simple steps. This keeps things clear and avoids confusion when working out who gets what.
Example question
Share £48 between two people in the ratio 5:3.
Step 1: Add the parts of the ratio. 5 + 3 = 8 parts in total.
Step 2: Divide the total amount by the total parts. £48 ÷ 8 = £6 for one part.
Step 3: Work out each share. First person: 5 × £6 = £30. Second person: 3 × £6 = £18.
Step 4: Check the answer. £30 + £18 = £48.
The answer is: the first person gets £30 and the second person gets £18.
Key insight: Once your child understands how to split a total into parts using a ratio, they can tackle similar questions with confidence. The next practice question will use the same approach, so your child can build on what they've just learned.
