During my observation, I have observed that teaching ‘Ratio’ continues to be an area of difficulty. We are still using the age old Algebraic methods to solve Ratio related problems.
Lets use a more approachable method called ‘Scaling’ method. This involves taking the initial ratio and finding a series of equivalent ratios until we find the one that works.
Lets see one simple example:
The present ages of A and B are in the ratio 2:3. The sum of their ages is 35 . Find A’s age.
Using Scaling …. 2:3 ………Sum = 5
4 : 6………. Sum = 10
6: 9…………….Sum =15
8: 12……………Sum = 20
10:15………….Sum = 25
12:18……… Sum = 30
14:21……….Sum =35, Hence A’s age is 14 years
Otherwise this is how some of us teach in the class…. using algebraic method
Isn’t this method laborious involving too many steps…..So as far as possible lets include ‘Scaling approach’….By introducing this method student can minimize the length of the problem…also helps them think more logically.
More on this, see here as ppt.