# Unitary Method

Unitary method is a process by which we find the value of a single unit from the value of multiple units and the value of multiple units from the value of a single unit. It is a method that we use for most of the calculations in math. You will find this method useful while solving questions on ratio and proportion, algebra, geometry, etc.

Through the unitary method, we can find the missing value. For example, if 1 packet of juice costs $5, then what would the cost of 5 such packets? Then we can easily find that the cost of 5 packets, i.e.$25. Let's understand this concept in detail in this lesson.

## What is Unitary Method?

Let's recap the definition. "Unitary method is a method where we find the value of a single unit from the value of multiple units and the value of multiple units from the value of a single unit."

• Step 1: Let’s find the cost of 1 ice-cream. In order to do that, divide the total cost of ice-creams by the total number of ice-creams. The cost of 1 ice-cream = Total cost of ice-creams/Total Number of Ice-creams = 125/5 = 25. Therefore, the cost of 1 ice-cream is $25. • Step 2: To find the cost of 3 ice-creams, multiply the cost of 1 ice-cream by the number of ice-creams. The cost of 3 ice-creams is cost of 1 ice-cream × number of ice-creams = 25 × 3 =$75. Finally, we have the cost of 3 ice-creams i.e. $75. In the unitary method, the value of many things is given and we need to either find the value of more or fewer things. In order to do that, we must first find the value of one thing by division and then find the value of more or fewer things by multiplication. ## Types of Unitary Methods In the unitary method, we always count the value of a unit or one quantity first, and then we calculate the values of more or fewer quantities. That is why this method is termed as the unitary method. There are two types of unitary methods because they result in two types of variations and those are given below: • Direct Variation • Indirect Variation ### Direct Variation This type describes the direct relationship between two quantities. In simple words, if one quantity increases, the other quantity also increases, and if one quantity decreases, the other quantity also decreases. For example, If the speed of a car is increased, it covers more distance in a fixed amount of time. So, speed and distance are two quantities that are related to each other in direct variation. ### Inverse Variation This type describes the indirect relationship between two quantities. In simple words, if one quantity increases, the other quantity decreases, and if one quantity decreases the other quantity increases. For example, increasing the speed of the car will result in covering a fixed distance in lesser time. Speed and time are two quantities that are related to each other in indirect variation. ## Unitary Method in Ratio and Proportion Unitary method in maths is also used to find the ratio between two quantities. Consider the following situation. A contractor employed two men, Ram and Shyam, to work in his factory and paid them daily wages. Ram is paid$150 and Shyam is paid $110 for each day's work. Ram saves$800 per month and Shyam saves $500 per month. Can you find the ratio of their monthly expenditure? • Let’s find their monthly income by using the unitary method. Ram’s wages for one day=$150. Ram’s wages for one month= $(150 × 30) =$4500. Similarly, Shyam’s wages for one month= $(110 × 30) =$3300.
• Now find their monthly expenditure. Ram’s monthly expenditure = $4500 -$800 = $3700. Shyam’s monthly expenditure =$3300 - $500 =$2800.
• The ratio of their monthly expenditure is given by, Ram’s monthly expenditure/Shyam’s monthly expenditure=3700/2800=37/28.

### What is the Unitary Method for Percentage?

To find the 100th amount or the value of an object, the unitary method is used. Consider the following example. In a hospital, 10 of the monthly consumption of milk of patients is 1540L. What is the 100 monthly consumption of milk in the hospital? In this case, the unitary method can be used to find the 1% monthly consumption and then multiply 100 by the amount of 1 of monthly consumption of milk.

### What is the Formula for Unitary Method?

The formula for the unitary method is to find the value of a single unit and then find the value of more or fewer units by multiplying their quantity with the value of a single unit.

### What is the Unitary Ratio?

When either side of the ratio is equal to 1 it is called unitary ratio. The unitary method in maths uses this for comparison. For example, there are 10 girls and 20 boys in a class. The ratio of girls to boys is 1:2. This is a unitary ratio.

### What are the Types of Unitary Method?

There are two types of unitary methods based on the variations and those are given below:

• Direct Variation
• Indirect Variation

### What is Unitary Method in Ratio and Proportion?

In ratio and proportion, the unitary method is used to find the quantity of one object when the quantity of another object and the ratio between two are given.

## Solved Examples on Unitary Method

Example 1: Ron goes to a stationery shop to buy some notebooks. The shopkeeper informs him that 2 notebooks would cost $90. Can you find the cost of 5 notebooks with the help of the unitary method? Solution: In this example, the number of books corresponds to the “unit” and the cost of the books corresponds to the “value”. Let's solve it step-wise. • Step 1: First, we will find the cost of 1 notebook. Cost of 1 notebook= Total cost of books/Total number of books= 90/2= 45. • Step 2: Now, we will find the cost of 5 notebooks. Cost of 5 notebooks= Cost of 1 book × Number of books= 45 × 5= 225. Therefore, the cost of 5 notebooks is$225.

Example 2: Rachel can type 540 words in half an hour. How many words will she able to type in 20 minutes with the same efficiency?

Solution:

Number of words typed in half an hour i.e. 30 min = 540. Therefore Number of words typed in 1 min = 540/30=18.

Number of words typed in 20 min = 20 × 18 = 360.

Hence, Rachel will be able to type 360 words in 20 minutes.

## Practice Questions on Unitary Method

Here are a few activities for you. Select/Type your answer and click the "Check answer" button to see the results.

Unitary Method- Worksheet
UNitary MEthod Worksheet
Unitary Method- Tips and Tricks
Tips and Tricks
Unitary Method- Ebook
Ebook

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