Concept Overview
The unitary method helps us find the value of one unit first.
After finding one unit, we can find the value of many units.
Unitary Method & Bills explained through a friendly whiteboard conversation, examples, visuals, and practice for school students.
Step 1
Notes
Step 2
Formulae
Step 3
Examples
Step 4
Practice
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The unitary method helps us find the value of one unit first.
After finding one unit, we can find the value of many units.
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Unitary means one. In the unitary method, we first find the value of one item, one metre, one kilogram, one hour, or one unit.
If the value of many units is given, divide to find one unit. Then multiply to find the required number of units.
This method works when the rate stays the same. For example, if each notebook has the same price, the unitary method can find the cost of any number of notebooks.
Always write units such as rupees, metres, kilograms, or hours in the answer.
Meaning: Find the value of one item or one unit first.
Definition: Unit value is the value of one unit.
If 5 pens cost Rs 60, then 1 pen costs s 12.
Meaning: Use the unit value to find the value of the required quantity.
Definition: Required valunit value x number of required units.
If 1 pen costs Rs 12, then 8 pens cost 12 x s 96.
Meaning: Bills add the cost of items bought.
Definition: Total bill is the sum of item costs.
If each item has a fixed rate, multiply rate by quantity for each item, then add.
Easy
Question: If 4 pencils cost Rs 20, find the cost of 1 pencil.
Medium
Question: If 6 notebooks cost Rs 180, find the cost of 10 notebooks.
Exam-level
Question: A shop sells rice at Rs 48 per kg. Find the cost of 7.5 kg.
Multiplying when one unit is required
Why it happens: Students see two numbers and multiply quickly.
Correct approach: If many units are given and one unit is asked, divide.
Forgetting to find one unit first
Why it happens: The required quantity looks easy to use directly.
Correct approach: Use the onnit step unless the rate is already given.
Leaving out units
Why it happens: Only the arithmetic answer is written.
Correct approach: Write Rs, kg, m, hours, or the correct unit in the final answer.
Why is it called the unitary method?
Because the method first finds the value of one unit.
When do I divide?
Divide when a total for many equal units is given and you need one unit.
When do I multiply?
Multiply after you know the value of one unit and need many units.
Practise the same concept from this article. Your student profile may guide entitlement and follop recommendations, but it does not replace this concept.