Goal: Students gain strategies for comparing unit rates to find things such as better deals, faster rates, and better gas mileage.

There are many ways to compare ratios, including using percents, an organized table, scale factor, comparing ratios of similar values, finding unit rates, etc. Comparing unit rates is an important skill for students to have in their tool box (for one, to be smart consumers!). This particular lesson focuses on helping student understand an organized way of finding unit rates and comparing their values to decide which is the better buy, faster rate, sweeter recipe, better gas mileage, etc. The strategy presented in this lesson is specifically helpful when the amounts are close in value and a calculator might be useful.

It is suggested to use the Google Slides presentation for a class discussion (the animations are already set up for you), allowing students to think about each step being presented. Then, use the included practice pages (copy the half pages front and back on to one page for each student) to allow students to practice the skill on their own, with a partner, or in a small group. There are four practice situations and a complete answer key for each.

Included:

• A digital lesson to guide students through one particular strategy to compare unit rates. There is an introduction about unit rates and three specific examples to show the strategy used. Check the preview video for details.
• A practice page with four different scenarios for students to try themselves.
• A complete answer key