Multi-Step Ratio Problems: Building Thinking Through Proportional Reasoning

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7th GradeBuilding Thinking Classrooms50 min

Learning Objective

Students will solve multi-step ratio problems by identifying and applying proportional relationships across connected quantities, including unit rates, equivalent ratios, and scaled comparisons.

Lesson Overview

Students work in visibly random groups at vertical surfaces to solve progressively complex multi-step ratio problems, starting from unit rates and building to problems requiring multiple ratio relationships. Consolidation surfaces key strategies through gallery-style discussion.

Materials

Vertical whiteboards or large chart paper taped to walls
Dry-erase markers (one per student)
Erasers or paper towels
Pencils and scratch paper
Basic calculator (phone calculator is fine)

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1

A recipe uses 3 lemons for every 12 cups of lemonade. How many lemons are needed for 1 cup of lemonade? Write your answer as a unit rate.

2Task 2

The same recipe uses 3 lemons for every 12 cups of lemonade. How many lemons are needed for 48 cups of lemonade?

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