Unit 2
Ratio, Proportion and Percentage

The calculation of percentages and proportions is a common practice in many areas of everyday life. Two common uses of these techniques are in calculating the rate of discount of a price, and in determining the percentage increase in wages.

In this unit, we look at the set of mathematical skills you will need to be able to do operations involving ratios, percentages and proportions.

Objectives

After completing this review, you should feel quite comfortable

1. defining the terms “ratio,” “percentage” and “proportion,” and solving simple problems involving these concepts.
2. discussing the relationship between fractions, ratios, proportions and percentages.
3. performing basic mathematical operations on fractions, ratios, proportions and percentages.

Note: If after finishing any unit, you find that you are still rusty or having difficulty with any of the skills discussed, call your tutor. He or she will be able to recommend examples, exercises or sources for further explanation.