The formula to calculate the Unit Rate (X/Y) is:
\[ X/Y = \frac{a}{b} / \frac{b}{b} \]
Where:
To understand a unit rate, you must first understand what a rate is. A rate is known as a ratio of two numbers. This ratio is some unit \(x\) per unit \(y\) typically displayed as \(x/y\). A unit rate is a conversion of a normal rate to a rate with the per unit, otherwise known as a denominator, of 1. For example, let’s say you have a ratio of apples to oranges. You have 8 apples and 2 oranges. This rate could be displayed as 8/2 or 8 apples per two oranges. The unit rate for this would be 4/1. So, 4 apples for every 1 orange. It is equivalent to the first rate, but the denominator is 1.
Let's assume the following values:
Using the formula to calculate the Unit Rate (X/Y):
\[ X/Y = \frac{a}{b} / \frac{b}{b} = \frac{8}{2} / \frac{2}{2} = 4/1 \]
The Unit Rate (X/Y) is 4/1.