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This topic combines ratio with algebra — solving problems where ratios are given in algebraic form or lead to equations, including changing ratios and sharing with unknowns. It's examined right across GCSE and iGCSE Maths. Learn it free on eClassroom through guided worked examples and instantly-marked exam-style questions.
How you do it
Write the ratio as an equation with a common multiplier, using expressions like 3x and 5x for the two parts. Form an equation from the information given and solve for x, then work out the actual quantities.
Before you start
Check ratio and forming equations first if this feels hard. It is Higher tier material at GCSE and iGCSE. Later work on harder problem-solving questions assumes it.
What you learn
At Higher tier, ratio problems are solved by linking the parts to algebra. Only scale a whole ratio (every part), never one number on its own. When counters are added or removed, recalculate the new amounts and re-simplify the ratio. The answer can be a decimal — that is fine and often expected. The course works through combining ratios, forming equations and changing ratios and the form 1: n, and linked ratios. Every section has instant-feedback practice questions matched to Edexcel iGCSE 4MA1 and the other major GCSE boards, and the course finishes with full exam-style questions you mark yourself.
Related Topics
We teach Ratio & Algebra as one of the Ratio and Proportion topics in our GCSE course library, at Higher tier. There are 3 teaching sections and 2 fully worked examples, plus 3 sets of check questions. It sits alongside Similar Shapes, Speed, Distance, Time and Unit Conversion in the same strand. For unlimited practice, the Ratio and Proportion revision engine builds new questions on demand and records your accuracy.
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