Unit Rates for Kids: Price for One, Speed and the Better Buy (Grade 6 Math)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Today we are learning about unit rates. A rate compares two different kinds of amounts, like kilometers and hours. A unit rate tells us the amount for just one.

A rate could be ten dollars for two books, or one hundred fifty words in three minutes. To find the unit rate, divide both amounts so the second amount becomes one.

Let's find the price for one. Four notebooks cost twelve dollars. Twelve divided by four is three. So each notebook costs three dollars. That is called the unit price.

Unit rates help us find the better buy. Shop A sells six apples for three dollars, which is fifty cents each. Shop B sells five apples for three dollars, which is sixty cents each. Shop A is the better buy.

Speed is a rate too. A cyclist rides forty five kilometers in three hours. Forty five divided by three is fifteen. So the cyclist rides at fifteen kilometers per hour.

Once you know the unit rate, you can find any amount. If you earn eight dollars per hour, then in five hours you earn eight times five, which is forty dollars.

Now it's your turn. A pump fills thirty six liters in four minutes. How many liters does it fill per minute? Pause and try. Thirty six divided by four is nine. The pump fills nine liters per minute.

Great job! Remember, a unit rate is the amount for one. Divide to find it, compare unit prices to find the better buy, and multiply to scale up. Practice unit rates in Middle School Math at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!