Unit Rate
Cost or amount for a single unit.
Formula
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Example
$12 for 4 = $3 each
How it works
A unit rate tells you how much for one item, one mile, one hour, or any single unit. It works by dividing the total amount by the number of units, which spreads the total evenly across each unit. This makes comparisons easier because you can see the value for just one unit instead of a larger package or group.
When to use it
Use this when comparing prices, speeds, fuel use, or any situation where you want the amount per single unit. It is especially helpful for shopping, travel, and science problems that ask for "per" one item or one hour.
Worked example, step by step
A 10-pound bag of rice costs $25 unit rate = total ÷ quantity unit rate = 25 ÷ 10 unit rate = 2.5 So, the cost is $2.50 per pound
Common mistakes to avoid
- Dividing in the wrong direction, such as quantity ÷ total
- Forgetting to include the correct unit in the answer, like dollars per pound or miles per hour
- Using the wrong quantity when the problem asks for a single unit
Did You Know?
The unitary method — find the value of one, then scale up — is one of the oldest problem-solving tricks, found in ancient Indian and Egyptian texts.
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