Unit Rate
How do I know what number goes on top and what number goes on the bottom. For example
3 pounds for $1.89
Money goes on top
poooopyy
yes
When determining what number goes on top and what number goes on the bottom in a unit rate, you need to determine which value is being divided by which value.
In the example you provided, "3 pounds for $1.89," we are comparing the quantity of pounds to the cost in dollars. To calculate the unit rate, you need to divide the quantity of pounds by the cost in dollars.
So, in this case, the unit rate can be calculated as:
$1.89 ÷ 3 pounds
To simplify the unit rate, divide $1.89 by 3:
$1.89 ÷ 3 = $0.63 per pound
Therefore, the unit rate is $0.63 per pound.
YOu can do it each way:
Both are unit rates, one is lbs/dollar, the other is dollars/lb
rate1= 1.89/3= 93 cents/lb or
rate2= 3/1.89= 1lb/1.57
You use the one depending on the type of problem..
What is the cost of 34 lbs?
cost= rate*lbs= .93dollars/lb *34 lbs
or
What is the amount I can get for 53 dollars
amount= rate*dollars
amount= 1lb/1.58dollars * 53 dollars
=33.5 lbs
So which rate? Examine both, and examine what you are looking for.