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SAT: Ratios, Rates & Proportions Glossary

10 essential terms — because precise language is the foundation of clear thinking in SAT: Ratios, Rates & Proportions.

Showing 10 of 10 terms

The unchanging value $k$ in a proportional relationship $y = kx$, equal to the unit rate.

Related:direct variationunit rateslope

A method for solving proportions: if $\frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d}$, then $ad = bc$.

Related:proportionequation solving

A systematic method for converting between units by multiplying by conversion factors expressed as fractions equal to 1.

Related:unit conversionrateunit rate

A relationship in which $y = kx$ for a positive constant $k$; the ratio $\frac{y}{x}$ remains constant.

Related:constant of proportionalitylinear functioninverse variation

A relationship in which $xy = k$; as one variable increases, the other decreases proportionally.

Related:direct variationhyperbola

An equation stating that two ratios are equal, such as $\frac{a}{b} = \frac{c}{d}$.

Related:ratiocross-multiplicationscale factor

A ratio that compares two quantities measured in different units, such as miles per hour or cost per item.

Related:unit ratespeedratio

A comparison of two quantities by division, written as $a:b$ or $\frac{a}{b}$.

Related:proportionfractionrate

The constant ratio between corresponding lengths in similar figures or between a model and the real object.

Related:proportionsimilar figuresmap scale

A rate expressed per one unit of the denominator quantity, making comparison and scaling straightforward.

Related:rateconstant of proportionality
SAT: Ratios, Rates & Proportions Glossary - Key Terms & Definitions | PiqCue