How do rate tables help me find equivalent ratios

Rate tables are a helpful tool when trying to find equivalent ratios. To understand how rate tables help in finding equivalent ratios, let's start by understanding what equivalent ratios are.

Equivalent ratios are ratios that have the same value but are written in different forms. In other words, if you multiply or divide both the numerator and denominator of a ratio by the same number, the resulting ratio is equivalent to the original ratio.

A rate table is a table that shows the relationship between two quantities. In the context of ratios, a rate table compares different values of one quantity to corresponding values of another quantity.

To use a rate table to find equivalent ratios, follow these steps:

1. Identify the given ratio: Start by identifying the ratio that you are trying to find an equivalent for.

2. Choose a common factor: Look at the given ratio and identify a common factor that can be applied to both the numerator and denominator. This factor must be the same for both values to maintain the ratio's equivalence.

3. Multiply or divide: Multiply or divide the numerator and denominator of the ratio by the common factor identified in the previous step. This step ensures that the ratio maintains its equivalent value.

4. Fill the rate table: Create a rate table with two columns. In the first column, list the original values of the quantity you are comparing. In the second column, list the new values obtained after multiplying or dividing by the common factor.

5. Find the equivalent ratios: Analyze the rate table and compare the values in the second column. The ratios formed by the corresponding values in the first and second columns of the table are equivalent ratios to the original ratio.

6. Repeat if necessary: If you want to find more equivalent ratios, choose another common factor and repeat steps 3-5.

By using a rate table, you can easily compare different ratios and identify the equivalent ones. It provides a visual representation of the relationship between the values and allows you to see how they change when multiplied or divided by a common factor.