← Find the amount for one unit, then scale · Multiplicative Comparison and Unit Rate

Find the amount for one unit, then scale · 12 practice problems

6.NS.A.17.RP.A.1

Generated variants — 12

Freshly produced from the archetype’s parameters — problem, figure, and solution derived together.

Variant 1 easy answer: 191219\frac{1}{2} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 413 kg4\frac{1}{3}\ \text{kg} for 23 m\frac{2}{3}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 3 m3\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 4 and 1/3 kg for 2/3 of a metre. We want the weight of 3 metres.

Givens
  • 2/3 m of the bar weighs 4 and 1/3 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 3 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 2/3 m to 3 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
4 wholes are 12 3ths, plus 1 more.
413=1334\frac{1}{3} = \frac{13}{3}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 2/3, which multiplies by 3/2.
133÷23=612\frac{13}{3} \div \frac{2}{3} = 6\frac{1}{2}
One metre weighs 6 and 1/2 kg.

3Scale up to 3 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
612×3=19126\frac{1}{2} \times 3 = 19\frac{1}{2}
3 metres weigh 19 and 1/2 kg.
Answer: 191219\frac{1}{2} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

3 m is more than 2/3 m, and 19 and 1/2 kg is more than 4 and 1/3 kg -- and going back, 1912÷3×23=13319\frac{1}{2} \div 3 \times \frac{2}{3} = \frac{13}{3}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 3÷233 \div \frac{2}{3}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.
Variant 2 easy answer: 4454\frac{4}{5} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 145 kg1\frac{4}{5}\ \text{kg} for 34 m\frac{3}{4}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 2 m2\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 1 and 4/5 kg for 3/4 of a metre. We want the weight of 2 metres.

Givens
  • 3/4 m of the bar weighs 1 and 4/5 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 2 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 3/4 m to 2 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
1 wholes are 5 5ths, plus 4 more.
145=951\frac{4}{5} = \frac{9}{5}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 3/4, which multiplies by 4/3.
95÷34=225\frac{9}{5} \div \frac{3}{4} = 2\frac{2}{5}
One metre weighs 2 and 2/5 kg.

3Scale up to 2 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
225×2=4452\frac{2}{5} \times 2 = 4\frac{4}{5}
2 metres weigh 4 and 4/5 kg.
Answer: 4454\frac{4}{5} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

2 m is more than 3/4 m, and 4 and 4/5 kg is more than 1 and 4/5 kg -- and going back, 445÷2×34=954\frac{4}{5} \div 2 \times \frac{3}{4} = \frac{9}{5}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 2÷342 \div \frac{3}{4}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.
Variant 3 easy answer: 183418\frac{3}{4} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 212 kg2\frac{1}{2}\ \text{kg} for 23 m\frac{2}{3}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 5 m5\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 2 and 1/2 kg for 2/3 of a metre. We want the weight of 5 metres.

Givens
  • 2/3 m of the bar weighs 2 and 1/2 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 5 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 2/3 m to 5 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
2 wholes are 4 2ths, plus 1 more.
212=522\frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{2}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 2/3, which multiplies by 3/2.
52÷23=334\frac{5}{2} \div \frac{2}{3} = 3\frac{3}{4}
One metre weighs 3 and 3/4 kg.

3Scale up to 5 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
334×5=18343\frac{3}{4} \times 5 = 18\frac{3}{4}
5 metres weigh 18 and 3/4 kg.
Answer: 183418\frac{3}{4} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

5 m is more than 2/3 m, and 18 and 3/4 kg is more than 2 and 1/2 kg -- and going back, 1834÷5×23=5218\frac{3}{4} \div 5 \times \frac{2}{3} = \frac{5}{2}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 5÷235 \div \frac{2}{3}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.
Variant 4 easy answer: 284528\frac{4}{5} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 525 kg5\frac{2}{5}\ \text{kg} for 34 m\frac{3}{4}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 4 m4\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 5 and 2/5 kg for 3/4 of a metre. We want the weight of 4 metres.

Givens
  • 3/4 m of the bar weighs 5 and 2/5 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 4 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 3/4 m to 4 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
5 wholes are 25 5ths, plus 2 more.
525=2755\frac{2}{5} = \frac{27}{5}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 3/4, which multiplies by 4/3.
275÷34=715\frac{27}{5} \div \frac{3}{4} = 7\frac{1}{5}
One metre weighs 7 and 1/5 kg.

3Scale up to 4 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
715×4=28457\frac{1}{5} \times 4 = 28\frac{4}{5}
4 metres weigh 28 and 4/5 kg.
Answer: 284528\frac{4}{5} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

4 m is more than 3/4 m, and 28 and 4/5 kg is more than 5 and 2/5 kg -- and going back, 2845÷4×34=27528\frac{4}{5} \div 4 \times \frac{3}{4} = \frac{27}{5}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 4÷344 \div \frac{3}{4}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.
Variant 5 medium answer: 123512\frac{3}{5} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 514 kg5\frac{1}{4}\ \text{kg} for 56 m\frac{5}{6}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 2 m2\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 5 and 1/4 kg for 5/6 of a metre. We want the weight of 2 metres.

Givens
  • 5/6 m of the bar weighs 5 and 1/4 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 2 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 5/6 m to 2 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
5 wholes are 20 4ths, plus 1 more.
514=2145\frac{1}{4} = \frac{21}{4}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 5/6, which multiplies by 6/5.
214÷56=6310\frac{21}{4} \div \frac{5}{6} = 6\frac{3}{10}
One metre weighs 6 and 3/10 kg.

3Scale up to 2 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
6310×2=12356\frac{3}{10} \times 2 = 12\frac{3}{5}
2 metres weigh 12 and 3/5 kg.
Answer: 123512\frac{3}{5} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

2 m is more than 5/6 m, and 12 and 3/5 kg is more than 5 and 1/4 kg -- and going back, 1235÷2×56=21412\frac{3}{5} \div 2 \times \frac{5}{6} = \frac{21}{4}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 2÷562 \div \frac{5}{6}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.
Variant 6 medium answer: 371237\frac{1}{2} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 114 kg1\frac{1}{4}\ \text{kg} for 15 m\frac{1}{5}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 6 m6\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 1 and 1/4 kg for 1/5 of a metre. We want the weight of 6 metres.

Givens
  • 1/5 m of the bar weighs 1 and 1/4 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 6 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 1/5 m to 6 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
1 wholes are 4 4ths, plus 1 more.
114=541\frac{1}{4} = \frac{5}{4}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 1/5, which multiplies by 5/1.
54÷15=614\frac{5}{4} \div \frac{1}{5} = 6\frac{1}{4}
One metre weighs 6 and 1/4 kg.

3Scale up to 6 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
614×6=37126\frac{1}{4} \times 6 = 37\frac{1}{2}
6 metres weigh 37 and 1/2 kg.
Answer: 371237\frac{1}{2} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

6 m is more than 1/5 m, and 37 and 1/2 kg is more than 1 and 1/4 kg -- and going back, 3712÷6×15=5437\frac{1}{2} \div 6 \times \frac{1}{5} = \frac{5}{4}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 6÷156 \div \frac{1}{5}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.
Variant 7 medium answer: 161316\frac{1}{3} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 312 kg3\frac{1}{2}\ \text{kg} for 37 m\frac{3}{7}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 2 m2\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 3 and 1/2 kg for 3/7 of a metre. We want the weight of 2 metres.

Givens
  • 3/7 m of the bar weighs 3 and 1/2 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 2 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 3/7 m to 2 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
3 wholes are 6 2ths, plus 1 more.
312=723\frac{1}{2} = \frac{7}{2}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 3/7, which multiplies by 7/3.
72÷37=816\frac{7}{2} \div \frac{3}{7} = 8\frac{1}{6}
One metre weighs 8 and 1/6 kg.

3Scale up to 2 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
816×2=16138\frac{1}{6} \times 2 = 16\frac{1}{3}
2 metres weigh 16 and 1/3 kg.
Answer: 161316\frac{1}{3} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

2 m is more than 3/7 m, and 16 and 1/3 kg is more than 3 and 1/2 kg -- and going back, 1613÷2×37=7216\frac{1}{3} \div 2 \times \frac{3}{7} = \frac{7}{2}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 2÷372 \div \frac{3}{7}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.
Variant 8 hard answer: 125612\frac{5}{6} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 512 kg5\frac{1}{2}\ \text{kg} for 67 m\frac{6}{7}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 2 m2\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 5 and 1/2 kg for 6/7 of a metre. We want the weight of 2 metres.

Givens
  • 6/7 m of the bar weighs 5 and 1/2 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 2 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 6/7 m to 2 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
5 wholes are 10 2ths, plus 1 more.
512=1125\frac{1}{2} = \frac{11}{2}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 6/7, which multiplies by 7/6.
112÷67=6512\frac{11}{2} \div \frac{6}{7} = 6\frac{5}{12}
One metre weighs 6 and 5/12 kg.

3Scale up to 2 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
6512×2=12566\frac{5}{12} \times 2 = 12\frac{5}{6}
2 metres weigh 12 and 5/6 kg.
Answer: 125612\frac{5}{6} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

2 m is more than 6/7 m, and 12 and 5/6 kg is more than 5 and 1/2 kg -- and going back, 1256÷2×67=11212\frac{5}{6} \div 2 \times \frac{6}{7} = \frac{11}{2}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 2÷672 \div \frac{6}{7}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.
Variant 9 medium answer: 445844\frac{5}{8} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 414 kg4\frac{1}{4}\ \text{kg} for 27 m\frac{2}{7}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 3 m3\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 4 and 1/4 kg for 2/7 of a metre. We want the weight of 3 metres.

Givens
  • 2/7 m of the bar weighs 4 and 1/4 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 3 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 2/7 m to 3 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
4 wholes are 16 4ths, plus 1 more.
414=1744\frac{1}{4} = \frac{17}{4}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 2/7, which multiplies by 7/2.
174÷27=1478\frac{17}{4} \div \frac{2}{7} = 14\frac{7}{8}
One metre weighs 14 and 7/8 kg.

3Scale up to 3 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
1478×3=445814\frac{7}{8} \times 3 = 44\frac{5}{8}
3 metres weigh 44 and 5/8 kg.
Answer: 445844\frac{5}{8} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

3 m is more than 2/7 m, and 44 and 5/8 kg is more than 4 and 1/4 kg -- and going back, 4458÷3×27=17444\frac{5}{8} \div 3 \times \frac{2}{7} = \frac{17}{4}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 3÷273 \div \frac{2}{7}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.
Variant 10 hard answer: 311331\frac{1}{3} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 578 kg5\frac{7}{8}\ \text{kg} for 38 m\frac{3}{8}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 2 m2\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 5 and 7/8 kg for 3/8 of a metre. We want the weight of 2 metres.

Givens
  • 3/8 m of the bar weighs 5 and 7/8 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 2 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 3/8 m to 2 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
5 wholes are 40 8ths, plus 7 more.
578=4785\frac{7}{8} = \frac{47}{8}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 3/8, which multiplies by 8/3.
478÷38=1523\frac{47}{8} \div \frac{3}{8} = 15\frac{2}{3}
One metre weighs 15 and 2/3 kg.

3Scale up to 2 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
1523×2=311315\frac{2}{3} \times 2 = 31\frac{1}{3}
2 metres weigh 31 and 1/3 kg.
Answer: 311331\frac{1}{3} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

2 m is more than 3/8 m, and 31 and 1/3 kg is more than 5 and 7/8 kg -- and going back, 3113÷2×38=47831\frac{1}{3} \div 2 \times \frac{3}{8} = \frac{47}{8}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 2÷382 \div \frac{3}{8}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.
Variant 11 hard answer: 211721\frac{1}{7} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 3710 kg3\frac{7}{10}\ \text{kg} for 710 m\frac{7}{10}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 4 m4\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 3 and 7/10 kg for 7/10 of a metre. We want the weight of 4 metres.

Givens
  • 7/10 m of the bar weighs 3 and 7/10 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 4 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 7/10 m to 4 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
3 wholes are 30 10ths, plus 7 more.
3710=37103\frac{7}{10} = \frac{37}{10}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 7/10, which multiplies by 10/7.
3710÷710=527\frac{37}{10} \div \frac{7}{10} = 5\frac{2}{7}
One metre weighs 5 and 2/7 kg.

3Scale up to 4 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
527×4=21175\frac{2}{7} \times 4 = 21\frac{1}{7}
4 metres weigh 21 and 1/7 kg.
Answer: 211721\frac{1}{7} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

4 m is more than 7/10 m, and 21 and 1/7 kg is more than 3 and 7/10 kg -- and going back, 2117÷4×710=371021\frac{1}{7} \div 4 \times \frac{7}{10} = \frac{37}{10}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 4÷7104 \div \frac{7}{10}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.
Variant 12 hard answer: 262926\frac{2}{9} kg

An iron bar of uniform thickness weighs 5910 kg5\frac{9}{10}\ \text{kg} for 910 m\frac{9}{10}\ \text{m}. How many kilograms does 4 m4\ \text{m} of this bar weigh?

Show solution
1 · Understandwhat's really being asked

A bar of even thickness weighs 5 and 9/10 kg for 9/10 of a metre. We want the weight of 4 metres.

Givens
  • 9/10 m of the bar weighs 5 and 9/10 kg.
  • The bar is the same thickness all along.
Unknowns
  • The weight of 4 m of the bar.
Constraints
  • Weight is proportional to length, because the thickness never changes.
2 · Planchoose the strategy

#8 Analyze the Units · also uses: #7 Identify Subproblems#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem

Jumping from 9/10 m to 4 m means multiplying by a ratio of fractions. Go through one metre instead: a division to get there, a multiplication to leave, and each step means something.

3 · Execute3 carry out the plan

1Write the weight as one fraction

#7 Identify Subproblems 6.NS.A.1
5 wholes are 50 10ths, plus 9 more.
5910=59105\frac{9}{10} = \frac{59}{10}
Easier to divide in this form.

2Find one metre's weight

#9 Solve an Easier Related Problem 7.RP.A.1
Divide by 9/10, which multiplies by 10/9.
5910÷910=659\frac{59}{10} \div \frac{9}{10} = 6\frac{5}{9}
One metre weighs 6 and 5/9 kg.

3Scale up to 4 metres

#8 Analyze the Units 7.RP.A.1
Every metre weighs the same, so multiply.
659×4=26296\frac{5}{9} \times 4 = 26\frac{2}{9}
4 metres weigh 26 and 2/9 kg.
Answer: 262926\frac{2}{9} kg
4 · Reviewdoes it hold up?

4 m is more than 9/10 m, and 26 and 2/9 kg is more than 5 and 9/10 kg -- and going back, 2629÷4×910=591026\frac{2}{9} \div 4 \times \frac{9}{10} = \frac{59}{10}.

Another way: Scaling directly by the ratio of the two lengths, 4÷9104 \div \frac{9}{10}, reaches the same answer in one step -- and hides what one metre weighs, which is the number worth knowing.

Standardsmin grade 7
  • 6.NS.A.1 Divide fractions by fractions — Dividing one fraction by another to get the rate.
  • 7.RP.A.1 Compute unit rates associated with ratios of fractions — Reading the result as kilograms per metre and scaling it.
💡Takeaway. Find what one of something weighs and every other amount is one multiplication away.