James V. answered 6d
Harvard & Yale Grad with 35+ Yrs Exp. | Patient Prealgebra Tutor
Changing a Rate to a Unit Rate
A unit rate is a rate where the second quantity is 1. To find a unit rate, you divide both parts of the rate by the second quantity.
Your Example: 6 donuts cost $3
Step 1: Write the rate
- Rate = $3 for 6 donuts
- Written as a fraction: $3/6 donuts
Step 2: Find the unit rate (cost per 1 donut)
- Divide both numbers by 6:
- $3 ÷ 6 = $0.50
- 6 donuts ÷ 6 = 1 donut
Answer: The unit rate is $0.50 per donut (or 50 cents per donut)
General Method
To find a unit rate:
- Identify your rate (quantity A for quantity B)
- Divide both quantities by the value of the second quantity
- Express as "quantity A per 1 unit of B"
Example: If 4 apples cost $2, the unit rate is $2 ÷ 4 = $0.50 per apple.