Understanding Ratio Problems for Border Patrol Exam Success

What is the total number of packages if the ratio of legal to illegal stickers is 2:3 and there are 1,500 packages in total?

• A. 600
• B. 900
• C. 500
• D. 1,000

Answer: (B)

To find the total number of packages represented by the given ratio of legal to illegal stickers, we start by setting up the ratio. The ratio of legal to illegal stickers is stated as 2:3. This means that for every 2 legal stickers, there are 3 illegal stickers, totaling 5 parts (2 + 3 = 5). Since there are 1,500 packages in total, we can determine the number of packages corresponding to each part of the ratio. Since the total of 5 parts represents the complete set of packages, we can divide the total number of packages by the total ratio parts: 1,500 packages ÷ 5 parts = 300 packages per part. Now, to find out how many packages are related to the illegal stickers (which are represented by the 3 parts of the ratio), we multiply the number of packages per part by the parts dedicated to the illegal stickers: 3 parts × 300 packages per part = 900 packages. This calculation shows that out of the 1,500 total packages, 900 packages correspond to the illegal stickers, illustrating that the rationale applied to the ratio is correct and confirms the answer.

When it comes to preparing for the Border Patrol exam, understanding how to solve ratio problems is essential. Ratios are everywhere in everyday life; they help us make sense of relationships between different quantities. So, you might be asking, "How does this relate to the Border Patrol exam?" Well, here's a specific example that illustrates this so clearly.

Imagine a scenario where you're asked to solve a problem involving legal and illegal stickers. The ratio of legal to illegal stickers is given as 2:3, with a total of 1,500 packages. At first glance, it sounds complex, but it really breaks down into manageable steps. Starting with the ratio, you can easily visualize that for every 2 legal stickers, there are 3 illegal stickers. That gives us a total of 5 parts—2 legal plus 3 illegal.

Now, let’s do some neat math! To uncover the number of packages corresponding to each part of the ratio, we take the total number of packages (1,500) and divide it by the total number of ratio parts (5). This gives us 300 packages for each part. So far, so good, right?

Next, to find out how many packages correlate to the illegal stickers, simply multiply the packages per part (300) by the three parts that represent illegal stickers. Like magic, we get 900 packages. Voila! You've deduced that out of 1,500 total packages, a whopping 900 correspond to illegal stickers. Isn’t that a neat little trick?

This straightforward approach shows the importance of grasping ratios, whether for an exam or real-life situations. Understanding how to apply these principles will not only help you ace this kind of question on the Border Patrol exam but will also give you confidence in utilizing ratios in your everyday decisions.

And let's be honest, who wouldn’t feel a rush of satisfaction calculating this so easily? Using ratios might seem intimidating at first, but as we’ve just shown, it boils down to simple arithmetic and a clear understanding of the concepts involved. You know what? With a little practice, you'll find these types of problems satisfying rather than daunting.

This insight into ratios not only prepares you for exam time but can also enhance your critical thinking skills. And in a role like Border Patrol, being able to quickly analyze and understand data can make a significant difference. So next time you encounter a ratio problem, remember the steps we just discussed—you’ll be ready to tackle it with ease.