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RATIO, PROPORTION AND VARIATION

l Introduction l Proportion
l Ratio l Properties of Proportion
l Decimal and Percentage Value of a Ratio l Variations
l Properties of Ratios l Types of Variations
l Uses of Ratios l Compound Variations
l Comparison of Ratios
l Calculation of Percentage Change in Ratio
Using PCG (Percentage Change Graphic)

INTRODUCTION 3
Decimal value of = 0.6
Concepts of this chapter are very useful in solving the problems 5
of Data Interpretation, where ratio change and ratio comparison To express the value of a ratio as a percentage, we multiply
are very popular type questions. In CAT and its equivalent other the ratio by 100.
aptitude tests, questions based on this chapter are regularly asked 3 3
either directly or indirectly. The questions of this chapter are Hence = × 100% = 60%
5 5
based on conceptual clarity and different applications of ratio,
proportion and variation. To find the decimal value of any ratio, you may calculate the
percentage value using the percentage rule (discussed in the chap-
RATIO ter Percentage) and then shift the decimal point 2 places towards
Ratio is the comparison between two quantities in terms of their left. Hence the decimal value of a ratio whose percentage value
magnitudes. The ratio of two quantities is equivalent to a fraction is 54.82% will be 0.5482.
that one quantity is of the other.
For example, let Swati has 5 note books and Priya has 7 note
PROPERTIES OF RATIOS
books. Then the ratio of the number of books that have with (i) The value of a ratio does not change when the numerator
Swati to the number of books that have with Priya is 5 is to 7. and denominator both are multiplied by the same quantity
5 a k a l a ma
This ratio is expressed as 5 : 7 or , which is a quotient of 5 and 7. i.e. = = = etc.
7 b kb lb mb
a
Ratio of any two numbers a and b is expressed as a : b or . The 2 4 6
b
For example, = = etc.
numbers that form the ratio is called the terms of the ratio. The 3 6 9
numerator of the ratio is called the antecedent and the (ii) The value of a ratio does not change when the numerator
denominator is called the consequent of the ratio. and denominator both are divided by the same quantity

DECIMAL AND PERCENTAGE VALUE OF A a a / k a /l a / m

i.e. = = = etc.
b b/ k b/l b/ m
RATIO
A ratio can be expressed in decimal and percentage. (iii) The ratio of two ratios (or fractions) can be expressed as a
ratio of two numbers.
 2

a / b a d ad a1 + a2 + a3 + ... + an
= × = lies between the lowest and the
c / d b c bc b1 + b2 + b3 + ... + bn
5 / 7 5 4 20 highest of these ratios.
For example, = × =
3/ 4 7 3 21 a
(viii) If the ratio > 1 and k is a positive number, then
(iv) If either or both the terms of a ratio are a surd quantity, then b
ratio will never evolve into integral numbers unless the surds a+k a a−k a
<  and  >
are present in both numerator and denominator and these both b+k b b−k b
surds are equal and present as a factor of numerator and de-
a
nominator. Similarly, if < 1 , then
For example: b
a+k a a−k a
7 3 2 6 5+ 3 2− 5 > and <
(a) , , , , etc. will never evolve b+k b b−k b
9 5 3 3 3+ 5
into integers. c a a+c a
(ix) If > , then >
5 3 5 d b b+d b
(b) is evolve into integral numbers as .
2 3 2 c a a+c a
and if < , then <
(c) The formula for the area of an equilateral triangle is d b b+d b
3 (side) 2
. Here we can safely assume that the area of Illustration 1:  Salaries of Rajesh and Sunil are in the ratio of
4 2 :3. If the salary of each one is increased by ` 4000 the new
any equilateral triangle will have 3 in its answer except ratio becomes 40 : 57. What is Sunil’s present salary ?
4
3 or (3)1/ 4  (a) ` 17000 (b) ` 20000
the case when fourth root of three is
(c) ` 25500 (d) None of these
present as a factor of the length of a side. Solution: (d) Let the salaries of Rajesh and Sunil be ` 2x and `
Area of the equilateral triangle length of whose side 3x respectively.
is (3)1/4 2 x + 4000 40
Then, =
3 × [(3)1/ 4 ]2 3 × (3)1/ 2 3× 3 3 3 x + 4000 57
= = = = square
4 4 4 4 or 114x + 228000 = 120x + 160000
units.
a or 6x = 68000
(v) If a ratio is compounded with itself, the resulting ratios or 3x = ` 34000
b
a 2 a3 Illustration 2:  The ratio between the present ages of P and Q
, etc. are called duplicate ratio, triplicate ratio etc is 5 : 8. After four years, the ratio between their ages will be
b 2 b3
a 2 : 3. What is Q’s age at present ?
respectively of the ratio . (a) 36 years (b) 20 years
b
(c) 24 years (d) None of these
(a )1/ 2 (a )1/ 3
1/ 2 , 1/ 3 are called sub-duplicate and sub-triplicate of P 5 5Q
(b) (b) Solution: (d)  = or P = ... (1)
a Q 8 8
ratio respectively of the ratio .
b P+4 2
=
a1 a2 a3 a1 + a2 + a3 + ... Q+4 3
(vi) = = = ... =
b1 b2 b3 b1 + b2 + b3 + ... or 3P + 12 = 2Q + 8
This means that if two or more ratios are equal, then the or 2Q – 3P = 4 ... (2)
ratio whose numerator is the sum of the numerators of all Putting value of P from eq. (1),
the ratios and denominator is the sum of the denominators
of all the ratios is equal to the original ratio. 5
2Q – 3 × Q = 4 ⇒ Q = 32 .
35 7 8
Since =
50 10

∴
35 7
= =
35 + 7 42
=
USES OF RATIOS
50 10 50 + 10 60
(i) As a Bridge between three or more Quantities
a a a a If a : b = N1 : D1
(vii) If 1 , 2 , 3 , ..., n are unequal ratios (or fractions), then
b1 b2 b3 bn b : c = N2 : D2
 3
c : d = N3 : D3 A B C
and d : e = N4 : D4 Illustration 6:  If A : B : C = 2 : 3 : 4, then find : : .
B C A
Then a : b : c : d : e = N1 N2 N3 N4 : D1 N2 N3 N4 : D1 D2 N3 N4 : Solution: A : B : C = 2 : 3 : 4
D1 D2 D3 N4 : D1 D2 D3 D4 2 3 4
A B C
Here ∴ : : = : :
B C A 3 4 2
a is correspond to the product of all four numerators
(N1 N2N3 N4) 2 4 3 3 4 6
= × : × : ×
b is correspond to the first denominator and the last three 3 4 4 3 2 6
numerators (D1 N2 N3 N4) 8 9 24
c is correspond to the first two denominators and the last two = : :
12 12 12
numerators (D1 D2 N3 N4)
= 8 : 9 : 24
d is correspond to the first three denominators and the last
Hence required ratio = 8 : 9 : 24.
numerators (D1 D2 D3 N4)
e is correspond to the product of all four denominators (ii)  A Consolidate Relation between three un-
(D1 D2 D3 D4) knowns (say x, y, z) when two equations in
This method is applied for any three or more ratios. these three unknowns are given
This can be understood by following illustrations: Two equations in three unknowns cannot be solved without having
Illustration 3:  Ratio of the age of A and B is 3 : 5 and ratio of a third equation in these unknowns but a consolidate ratio relation
the age of B and C is 4 : 7. Find the ratio of the age of A and C. between these unknowns can be found out as follows:
Solution: A : B = 3 : 5 ; B : C = 4 : 7 Let two equations containing three unknowns (x, y, z) are
⇒ A : B : C = 3 × 4 : 5 × 4 : 5 × 7 = 12 : 20 : 35 a1 x + b1 y + c1 = 0
Here and a2 x + b2 y + c2 = 0
A is correspond to the product of both numerators (3 × 4) Here a1, b1, c1, a2, b2 and c2 are known coefficients.
B is correspond to the product of first denominator and second
b1 c1 c1
numerator (5 × 4) b1
and C is correspond to the product of both denominators (5 × 7)
Hence ratio of the age of A and C = 12 : 35 x y z

Conventional Method
b2
LCM of 5 and 4 (the two values corresponding B’s amount) is 20. b2 c2 a2
Now convert B’s value in both ratio to 20. Coefficients of Coefficients of Coefficients of Coefficients of
Hence A : B = 3 × 4 : 5 × 4 = 12 : 20 middle terms last terms first terms middle terms
B : C = 4 × 5 : 7 × 5 = 20 : 35 x : y : z = (b1c2 – b2c1) : (c1a2 – c2a1) : (a1b2 – a2b1)
⇒ A : B : C = 12 : 20 : 35
x y z
⇒ A : C = 12 : 35 or = =
b1c2 − b2 c1 c1a2 − c2 a1 a1b2 − a2 b1
This conventional method will be long for more than three ratios.
Denominator of the first ratio is obtained by subtracting
Illustration 4:  If A : B = 4 : 5 ; B : C = 3 : 7 ; C : D = 6 : 7
the product of the coefficient b 2 and c 1 along the arrow
D : E = 12 : 17
pointing upward through x from the product of the coefficients
then find the value of ratio A : E.
b2 and c2 along the arrow pointing downward through x i.e.
Solution: A : B : C : D : E = (4 × 3 × 6 × 12) : (5 × 3 × 6 × 12) : (b1 c2 – b2 c1).
(5 × 7 × 6 × 12) : (5 × 7 × 7 × 12) : (5 × 7 × 7 × 17)
Similarly, we obtained the denominator of the second and third
∴  A : E = (4 × 3 × 6 × 12) : (5 × 7 × 7 × 17) = 864 × 4165
ratios as c1a2 – c2a1 and a1b2 – a2b1 respectively.
Note that here we have found the ratio of A : E directly without
finding the consolidate ratio (A : B : C : D : E) of A, B, C, D and E. x y z
If   = = = k, a constant.
Illustration 5:  If A : B = 1 : 2, B : C = 3 : 4 and C : D = 5 : 6, b1c2 − b2 c1 c1a2 − c2 a1 a1b2 − a2 b1
then find the value of D : C : B. Then  x = k (b1c2 – b2c1), y = k (c1a2 – c2a1) and
Solution: A : B = 1 : 2, B : C = 3 : 4
z = k (a1b2 – a2b1)
∴ A : B : C = 3 : 6 : 8
Now C : D = 5 : 6 Illustration 7:  Find a consolidate ratio relation between
∴ A : B : C : D = 15 : 30 : 40 : 48 x, y and z, if
∴ D : C : B = 48 : 40 : 30 – 2x + 4y + 3z = 0
or = 24 : 20 : 15. x – 3y + 5z = 0
 4
Solution: x : y : z = 29 : 13 : 2
or,
b1 c1 a1 b1 x y z
or, = = = k (let), a constant
29 13 2
x y z ∴ x = 29 k, y = 13 k and z = 2k

b2 c2 a2 b2 COMPARISON OF RATIOS
Here a1 = – 2, b1 = 4, c1 = 3, a2 = 1, b2 = – 3, c2 = 5 The value of a ratio is directly related to the value of numerator
but inversely related to the value of denominator i.e. if (only
numerator decrease)/(only denominator increases)/(numerator
decreases and denominator increases) then the value of the ratio
decreases and vice-versa.
There are eight cases in which we have to compare two ratios.
In six out of these eight cases, we can easily compare the two
x : y : z = (4 × 5 – (– 3) × 3) : (3 × 1 – 5 × (– 2)) : ((– 2) × ratios by keeping the above mentioned facts related to ratios in
(– 3) – 1 × 4) mind as shown in the following table.

S.No. Cases Comparison of Ratios Comparison of Ratios (Example)

(i) Numerator : Decreases 5 3

(First Ratio) > (Second Ratio) >
Denominator : Fixed 8 8

(ii) Numerator : Increases 4 7

(First Ratio) < (Second Ratio) <
Denominator : Fixed 9 9

(iii) Numerator : Fixed 6 6

(First Ratio) < (Second Ratio) <
Denominator : Decreases 7 5

(iv) Numerator : Fixed 5 5

(First Ratio ) > (Second Ratio) >
Denominator : Increases 8 9

(v) Numerator : Decreases 6 5

(First Ratio) > (Second Ratio) >
Denominator : Increases 7 8

(vi) Numerator : Increases 3 5

(First Ratio) < (Second Ratio) <
Denominator : Decreases 7 4

In the remaining two cases, we cannot compare the two ratios 6 3

just by looking them. > because 6 × 5 > 7 × 3
For example
7 5
The remaining two cases are
(vii) Numerator : Decreasing 4 7
and < because 4 × 8 < 5 × 7
Denominator : Decreasing 5 8
(viii) Numerator : Increasing
Method-II: Denominator Equating Method
Denominator : Increasing
By making the denominator of each ratio equal to the LCM of
In both the remaining two cases (vii) and (viii), we can compare
the denominators of both ratios, we can compare the two ratios
the two ratios by any one of the following four methods.
by checking their numerators.
Method-I: Cross Multiplication Method 5 8
Illustration 8:  Which of the two ratios and is greater.
a c 6 9
> , if ad > bc Solution: LCM of 6 and 9 = 18
b d
5 5 × 3 15
a c = =
and < , if ad < bc 6 6 × 3 18
b d
 5
8 8 × 2 16 960
= = = 10 + 0.4 + = 10.4% (approx.)
9 9 × 2 18 201 × 100
Since numerator of second ratio is greater than the numerator Since percentage decrease in numerator is less than the
of first ratio,  175 
percentage decrease in denominator, hence first ratio 
16 15 8 5  201
∴ > ⇒ >  157  175 157
18 18 9 6 is less than the second ratio  i.e. < .
 180  201 180
Method-III: By Conversion of Ratios in Decimal Form We find the percentage decrease in numerator and denomina-
89 68 tor upto which minimum place after decimal where it will be
Consider two ratios and easy to decide percentage decrease in numerator is greater
76 56
than or less than the percentage decrease in denominator.
89 76 130 76 (b) In case both numerator and denominator increases, if
= + =1+ + ...
76 76 76 × 10 76 × 10 (Percentage increase in numerator) >
= 1 + 0.1 + ... = 1.1 (approx.) (Percentage increase in denominator)
68 56 120 112 then (First Ratio) > (Second Ratio)
= + =1+ + ...
56 56 56 × 10 56 × 10 And if (Percentage increase in numerator) <
= 1 + 0.2 + ... = 1.2 (approx.) (Percentage increase in denominator)
68 89 then (First Ratio) < (Second Ratio)
  1.2 > 1.1,   ∴  > 79 86
56 76 Consider two ratios and .
We find the value of the ratios upto that minimum place after 192 208
decimal where, it will be easy to decide which one ratio is greater 86 − 79 700
Percentage increase in numerator = × 100 =
(or less). 79 79
Method IV: By Finding Percentage Change in 632 680 632 480
= + =8+ +
Numerator and Percentage Change in Denominator 79 79 × 10 79 × 10 79 × 100
(a) In case both numerator and denominator are decreases, if 480
(Percentage decrease in numerator) < = 8 + 0.8 + = 8.8% (approx.)
79 × 100
(Percentage decrease in denominator)
then (First Ratio) < (Second Ratio) 208 − 192
And if (Percentage decrease in numerator) > Percentage increase in denominator = × 100
192
(Percentage decrease in denominator)
then (First Ratio) > (Second Ratio) 1600
=
175 157 192
Consider the two ratios and .
201 180 1536 640 576 640

= + =8+ +
175 − 157 1800 192 192 × 10 192 × 10 192 × 100
Percentage decrease in numerator = × 100 =
175 175 640
= 8 + 0.3 + = 8.3% (approx.)
1750 500 350 150 192 × 100
= + = 10 + + Since percentage increase in numerator is more than the
175 175 × 10 175 × 10 175 × 10
percentage increase in denominator, therefore the first ratio
1500 is less than the second ratio
= 10 + 0.2 +
175 × 100 79 86
i.e. <
1400 1000 192 208
= 10.2 + +
175 × 100 175 × 1000 Out of the four methods discussed, this method-IV is less
1000 time consuming if you practise this method properly.
= 10.2 + 0.08 +
175 × 1000 CALCULATION OF PERCENTAGE CHANGE
= 10.28% (approx.) IN RATIO USING PCG (PERCENTAGE
201 − 180 CHANGE GRAPHIC)
Percentage decrease in denominator = × 100
201
We study the PCG (Percentage Change Graphic) in the chapter of
2100 Percentage. Using PCG, we can easily calculate the percentage

=
201 change in a ratio.
2010 900 804 960 Percentage change in between two ratios is found out in two

= + = 10 + +
201 201 × 10 201 × 10 201 × 100 stages as follow:
 6

Effect ot Then c = dk
Original Ratio numerator
 → Intermediate Ratio
b = ck = dk . k = dk2
Effect of
deno
 min ator
→ Final Ratio a = bk = dk2 . k = dk3
25 35
For example, if ratio becomes then PROPERTIES OF PROPORTION
40 50
a c b d
Effect of numerator = 25 → 35 (40% increase) (i) Invertendo: If = , then =
Effect of denominator = 50 → 40 (20% decrease, reverse order) b d a c
Hence, overall effect on the ratio: a c a b
(ii) Alternando: If = , then =
100 

40% ↑
→ 140  → 112
20% ↓ b d c d
+ 40 − 28
(Numerator (Denomin ator a c a+b c+d
effect) effeect) (iii) Componendo: If = , then =
b d b d
Therefore, overall effect = (112 – 100 = 12)% increase a c a−b c−d
(iv) Dividendo: If = , then =
PROPORTION b d b d
When two ratios are equal, the four quantities composing them a c
(v) Componendo and Dividendo: If = , then
a c b d
are said to be proportionals. Hence, if = , then a, b, c, d are
b d a+b c+d
=
in proportional and is written as a−b c−d
a : b : : c : d
x+a x+b 2ab
The terms a and d are called extremes while the terms b and Illustration 10:  Find the value of + , if x =
c are called the means. x−a x−b a+b
a c 2ab x 2b
a : b : : c : d  ⇒  =   ⇒  ad = bc Solution: x = ⇒ =
b d a+b a a+b
Hence product of extremes = Product of means y componendo – dividendo,
B
Illustration 9:  What must be added to each of the four num-
x + a 3b + a
bers 10, 18, 22, 38 so that they become in proportion ? =
x−a b−a
Solution: Let the number to be added to each of the four numbers
be x. x 2a
Similarly, =
By the given condition, we get b a+b
(10 + x) : (18 + x) : : (22 + x) : (38 + x) x + b 3a + b
⇒ =
⇒ (10 + x) (38 + x) = (18 + x) (22 + x) x−b a −b
⇒ 380 + 48x + x2 = 396 + 40x + x2 x + a x + b 3b + a 3a + b
Cancelling x2 from both sides, we get ∴ + = +
x−a x−b b−a a −b
380 + 48x = 396 + 40x
− (3b + a ) 3a + b 2a − 2b
⇒ 48x – 40x = 396 – 380 = += = 2 .
a −b a −b a −b
16
⇒ 8x = 16 ⇒ = x = 2
8
VARIATIONS
Therefore, 2 should be added to each of the four given
numbers. We come across many situations in our day to day life where we
see change in one quantity bringing change in the other quantity.
For example:
Continue Proportion (a) If the number of items purchased increases, its cost also increases.
a b (b) If the number of workers working to complete a job increases
(i) If = , then a, b, c, are said to be in continue proportion
b c then days required to complete the job will decrease.
and vice-versa. Here we observe that change in one quantity leads to change
a b in other quantity. This is called variation.
Now =   ⇒  ac = b2
b c
Here b is called mean proportional and c is called third TYPES OF VARIATIONS
proportional of a and b. There are three types of variations: Direct variation, Indirect vari-
(ii) If a, b, c and d are in continue proportion, then ation and Compound variation.
a b c (i)  Direct Variations
= =
b c d There is a direct variation in two quantities if they are related in
a b c such a way that an increase in one causes an increase in the other
Also if = = = k (let), a constant
b c d in the same ratio or a decrease in one causes a decrease in the
 7
other in the same ratio. This means that if one quantity becomes ratio or vice-versa. This means that if one quantity becomes double
double then the other quantity also becomes double and if one then other quantity becomes half and if one quantity becomes one
quantity becomes half then the other quantity also becomes half third then other quantity becomes thrice etc.
etc. In other words if x and y are two variables then y varies In other words if x and y are variables then y varies inversely
y with x, if xy is a constant.
directly with x if the ratio is a constant. 1
x ‘y varies inversely with x’ is represented as y ∝ .
x
‘y varies directly with x’ is represented as y ∝ x 1
Here symbol ‘∝’ means ‘varies as’. The representation y ∝
y varies directly as x is simply say that y varies as x. x
Here symbol ‘∝’ means ‘varies as’. k
can be converted to an equation y = or xy = k, where k is a
The representation y ∝ x can be converted to an equation x
y = kx, where k is a positive constant and called constant of positive constant, called constant of proportionality.
proportionality. ⇒ xy = constant
y The equation xy = constant, means all products of a value of y
Hence = constant
x and their corresponding value of x are equal. That is if y1, y2 are two
y values of y corresponding to the values x1, x2 of x respectively, then
The equation = k, means all ratios of a value of y with their
x x1 y1 = x2 y2
corresponding value of x are equal.
Graph
If y1, y2 are two values of y corresponding to two values x1 and
y y If y varies inversely as x, then graph between x and y will be as
x2 of x, then 1 = 2 . shown below:
x1 x2
Graph
If y varies directly as x, then graph between x and y will be as
shown below:

Illustration 12:  If 900 persons can finish the construction of a

building in 40 days, how many persons are needed to complete
the construction of building in 25 days.
Solution: Let the required number of persons be ‘x’. As the
Some Examples of Direct Variations number of days required to complete the job is less, so more
• Number of persons ∝ Amount of work done number of persons will be required. It is a case of inverse variation.
More number of persons, more work. So 900 × 40 = x × 25
• Number of days ∝ Amount of work 900 × 40
More days, More work ⇒ x = = 1440
25
• Working rate ∝ Amount of work
More working rate, more work Hence required number of persons = 1440.
• Efficiency of worker ∝ Amount of work
More efficient worker, More work.
Illustration 11:  A machine takes 5 hours to cut 120 tools. How COMPOUND VARIATIONS
many tools will it cut in 20 hours? In real life, there are many situations which involve more than
Solution: Here more time, more number of tools i.e. time and one variation, i.e. change in one quantity depends on changes
number of tools cut vary directly. in two or more quantities either directly or inversely or by both.
Let number of tools cut in 20 hours be ‘x’, then Let x, y and z are variables, i.e. y ∝ x
5 20  y y  (a) y varies directly as x when z is constant, i.e., y ∝ x and y
  =  1 = 2 varies directly as z when x is constant, i.e. y ∝ z, then we
120 x  x1 x2 
say that y varies directly as the product of x and z.
20 × 120
⇒ x=   Thus y ∝ xz
5 or y = k (xz), k is a positive constant
x = 480 (b) y varies directly as x when z is constant, i.e. y ∝ x and y
Hence required number of tools = 480. 1
varies inversely as z when x is constant i.e. y ∝ , then
z
(ii)  Inverse Variations x  x
y∝ or y = k   , where k is a positive constant.
There is an inverse variation in two quantities if they are so related z  z
that an increase in one causes a decrease in the other in the same
 8

1 Number of bags increases as number of hourses increases. Also,

(c) y varies inversely as x when z is constant i.e. y ∝ and number of bags increases as number of days increases.
x
b
1 Hence  b ∝ hd  ⇒  = constant
y varies inversely as z when x is constant then y ∝ or hd
xz
k b1 b b h d
y= , where k is a positive constant. ⇒ = 2   ⇒  b2 = 1 2 2
xz h1 d1 h2 d 2 h1 d1

Illustration 13:  25 horses eat 5 bags of corn in 12 days, how 5 × 10 × 18

∴ b2 = =3
many bags of corn will 10 horses eat in 18 days ? 25 × 12
Solution: Here three quantities : number of horses (h), number Hence number of bags required by 10 horses in 18 days
of bags (b) and number of days (d) are involved. = 3 bags.