To share an amount in a ratio, first add the terms to find how many equal parts there are. Sharing $60 in the ratio 2:3 gives 2 + 3 = 5 parts. Divide the total by the number of parts to find one part: $60 ÷ 5 = $12. Then multiply by how many parts each share has: the smaller share is 2 × $12 = $24 and the larger share is 3 × $12 = $36. Always do both steps — one part on its own is not the answer, and a ratio is not an equal split.
Explore this idea with maths tools
Maths you can move
Build 8 + 5
Tap two gold counters to fill the ten-frame.
8 in the frame + 5 waiting. The total stays the same.
Words to know
- parts
- the total of the ratio's terms, added together
- one part
- the total divided by the number of parts
- share
- the amount one person or group receives
Worked examples
Share $60 in the ratio 2:3 — larger share?
- 1.Parts: 2 + 3 = 5.
- 2.One part: $60 ÷ 5 = $12.
- 3.Larger: 3 × $12 = $36.
= 36
Share $40 in the ratio 1:3 — larger share?
- 1.Parts: 1 + 3 = 4.
- 2.One part: $40 ÷ 4 = $10.
- 3.Larger: 3 × $10 = $30.
= 30
Share $50 in the ratio 2:3 — larger share?
- 1.Parts: 2 + 3 = 5.
- 2.One part: $50 ÷ 5 = $10.
- 3.Larger: 3 × $10 = $30.
= 30
For parents
Method: Add the parts, divide to find one part, then multiply.
What to say: Ask 'how many equal parts altogether?' before working out one part's value.
Common mistakes:
- Splitting the total equally instead of by the ratio ($60 → $30 each).
- Stopping at one part ($12) and forgetting to multiply.