Learn on PengiIllustrative Mathematics, Grade 6Unit 3 Rates and Percentages

Lesson 1: Units of Measurement

In this Grade 6 lesson from Illustrative Mathematics Unit 3, students explore units of measurement and apply equivalent ratios to solve real-world constant rate problems, such as calculating how far a climber travels in a given time or how long it takes a crew to complete a task. Using ratio tables and double number lines, students practice finding unknown quantities when a rate — like windows washed per minute or students served per minute — stays the same. The lesson builds foundational skills for understanding rates and proportional reasoning in the context of familiar, concrete situations.

Section 1

Understanding Rates and Unit Rates

Property

A ratio compares two quantities, often of the same kind.

A rate is a special type of ratio that compares quantities with different units (like miles and gallons, or dollars and hours).

Section 2

Speed as a Rate

Property

Speed is a rate that compares the distance an object travels to the time it takes. It is often expressed as a unit rate, such as miles per hour or meters per second.

Speed=DistanceTime\text{Speed} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}

Section 3

Using Ratio Tables to Find Equivalent Rates

Property

A ratio table organizes equivalent rates.
To find a unit rate, divide both quantities by the value of the quantity you want to be 1.
To find an equivalent rate, multiply both quantities in the unit rate row by the new desired quantity.

Examples

Book overview

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Unit 3 Rates and Percentages

  1. Lesson 1Current

    Lesson 1: Units of Measurement

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Unit Conversion

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Rates

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Percentages

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

Expand

Section 1

Understanding Rates and Unit Rates

Property

A ratio compares two quantities, often of the same kind.

A rate is a special type of ratio that compares quantities with different units (like miles and gallons, or dollars and hours).

Section 2

Speed as a Rate

Property

Speed is a rate that compares the distance an object travels to the time it takes. It is often expressed as a unit rate, such as miles per hour or meters per second.

Speed=DistanceTime\text{Speed} = \frac{\text{Distance}}{\text{Time}}

Section 3

Using Ratio Tables to Find Equivalent Rates

Property

A ratio table organizes equivalent rates.
To find a unit rate, divide both quantities by the value of the quantity you want to be 1.
To find an equivalent rate, multiply both quantities in the unit rate row by the new desired quantity.

Examples

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Unit 3 Rates and Percentages

  1. Lesson 1Current

    Lesson 1: Units of Measurement

  2. Lesson 2

    Lesson 2: Unit Conversion

  3. Lesson 3

    Lesson 3: Rates

  4. Lesson 4

    Lesson 4: Percentages