Sharing Quantities in Ratios for 11+ Maths
21 October 2026
Understanding ratio sharing
Sharing quantities in a given ratio is a key skill for the 11+ maths exams. It means dividing a total amount into parts that match a specific ratio, such as 3:4. This topic often appears in both GL and CEM style questions.
Why ratio sharing matters
Children need to understand the order and meaning of ratios before they start calculating. The numbers in the ratio show how many equal parts each share gets. For example, in a 3:4 ratio, the first share is 3 parts and the second is 4 parts.
Worked example
Let's say we need to share 42 in the ratio 3:4.
Step 1: Add the parts of the ratio. 3 + 4 = 7.
Step 2: Divide the total by the sum of the parts. 42 ÷ 7 = 6.
Step 3: Multiply each part of the ratio by this answer. 3 × 6 = 18 and 4 × 6 = 24.
The correct answer is 18 and 24.
Key insight: Practising ratio sharing helps children build confidence with dividing, multiplying and understanding how quantities relate. This skill is important for problem solving in the 11+ and beyond.
Supporting your child
Encourage regular practice with ratio questions. Go through each step slowly, checking that your child understands why each part is needed. This builds strong problem-solving habits for the 11+.
