Unitary method word problems: Class 6 practice
The unitary method finds the value of ONE unit first, then multiplies to get the value of any number of units. Read the method, follow the three worked examples, then try the six questions.
What you should know first
- Multiplication and division of whole numbers
The idea behind unitary method word problems
The unitary method finds the value of ONE unit first, then multiplies to get the value of any number of units. It works whenever two quantities are in direct proportion.
Step-by-step method
- Divide the total by the number of items to get the value of one.
- Multiply by the number of items asked for.
- Check that the answer is sensible (more items → more cost).
Worked example 1 (Basic)
3 litres of milk cost ₹57. What do 5 litres of milk cost?
- Cost of 1 = ₹57 ÷ 3 = ₹19
- Cost of 5 = ₹19 × 5 = ₹95
- Answer: ₹95
Worked example 2 (Standard)
6 kg of rice cost ₹228. What do 25 kg of rice cost?
- Cost of 1 = ₹228 ÷ 6 = ₹38
- Cost of 25 = ₹38 × 25 = ₹950
- Answer: ₹950
Worked example 3 (Challenge)
5 litres of milk cost ₹155. What do 22 litres of milk cost?
- Cost of 1 = ₹155 ÷ 5 = ₹31
- Cost of 22 = ₹31 × 22 = ₹682
- Answer: ₹682
Common mistakes and misconceptions
- Multiplying first and dividing in the wrong order
- Using the method for quantities that are not proportional
Practice questions
- (Basic) 10 notebooks cost ₹110. What do 4 notebooks cost?
- (Basic) 3 litres of milk cost ₹60. What do 23 litres of milk cost?
- (Standard) 6 pens cost ₹198. What do 18 pens cost?
- (Standard) 11 notebooks cost ₹242. What do 16 notebooks cost?
- (Challenge) 10 notebooks cost ₹310. What do 17 notebooks cost?
- (Challenge) 8 metres of cloth cost ₹128. What do 9 metres of cloth cost?
Answer key with full working
- Q1: Cost of 1 = ₹110 ÷ 10 = ₹11 → Cost of 4 = ₹11 × 4 = ₹44 → Answer: ₹44
- Q2: Cost of 1 = ₹60 ÷ 3 = ₹20 → Cost of 23 = ₹20 × 23 = ₹460 → Answer: ₹460
- Q3: Cost of 1 = ₹198 ÷ 6 = ₹33 → Cost of 18 = ₹33 × 18 = ₹594 → Answer: ₹594
- Q4: Cost of 1 = ₹242 ÷ 11 = ₹22 → Cost of 16 = ₹22 × 16 = ₹352 → Answer: ₹352
- Q5: Cost of 1 = ₹310 ÷ 10 = ₹31 → Cost of 17 = ₹31 × 17 = ₹527 → Answer: ₹527
- Q6: Cost of 1 = ₹128 ÷ 8 = ₹16 → Cost of 9 = ₹16 × 9 = ₹144 → Answer: ₹144
Syllabus note
This skill is listed under "Ratio and Proportion" for Class 6 in the NCERT/CBSE books. ICSE, IGCSE, IB and state boards may teach it in a different chapter or year.
Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.
Related practice and notes
Frequently asked questions
Which chapter is unitary method word problems in?
"Ratio and Proportion", Class 6 Maths (NCERT/CBSE). Other boards may place it differently.
How were the answers checked?
Answers on this page are generated and automatically re-checked by a second, independent calculation. They have not been reviewed by a teacher — if you spot a problem, tell us on WhatsApp.