Unit rate is a ratio between two different units with a denominator of one. When we divide a fraction's numerator by its denominator, the result is a value in decimal form. For example: 8/4 = 2 and 3/6 = 0.5. When we write numbers in decimal form, we can write them as a ratio with one as the denominator.

For example, we can write 2 as 2/1, and 0.5 as 0.5/1. However, since that approach can be a little clumsy, we usually drop the one. That said, it's important to remember the one is there, especially when working with unit rates.

For instance, 8 miles/4 hours = 2 miles/hour. Notice again that, while we did not include the 1, we did include the unit 'hour' Miles per hour is a familiar expression, as are unit rates such as:

interest/amount invested

revolutions/minute

salary/year

Conversationally, the word ''per'' indicates we are using a unit rate.

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3 years ago