C Curriculum Explorer
Mathematics·Ratio & Proportion·language

Proportional Reasoning Vocabulary

Know and use advanced vocabulary of multiplicative reasoning — direct proportion, inverse proportion, ratio, rate, unit rate, compound unit, scale factor — accurately in problem-solving contexts

Suggested ages 11–14

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Evidence of understanding

  • Distinguish between 'direct proportion' and 'inverse proportion' with real-world examples
  • Use 'rate', 'speed', and 'density' correctly and explain what units they are measured in
  • Calculate using compound measures — e.g. work out the speed of a car that travels 120 miles in 2 hours

Assessment prompt

If Proportional Reasoning Vocabulary is solving a problem about speed or density, can they explain what 'compound unit' means and tell the difference between direct proportion (more of one means more of the other) and inverse proportion (more of one means less of the other)?

Standards alignment

No external standards are linked to this topic.