EDEXCEL GCSE FOUNDATION MATHS - What is Recipe Calculation

Edexcel GCSE Foundation Maths: Recipe Calculation

Recipe calculation is a vital skill in everyday life, whether you're baking a cake or scaling a recipe for a dinner party. This tutorial will guide you through the basics of recipe calculation, equipping you with the knowledge to confidently adjust recipes for your needs.

Understanding Ratios and Proportions

Recipes are essentially ratios, indicating the proportions of different ingredients. For example, a recipe for 12 cookies might require:

• 100g flour
• 50g sugar
• 2 eggs

This ratio tells us that for every 100g of flour, we need 50g of sugar and 2 eggs.

Scaling Recipes Up or Down

To change the quantity of a recipe, we need to maintain the same ingredient ratios. Here's how:

1. Determine the Scaling Factor:

• Scaling Up: If you want to double the recipe, the scaling factor is 2. To triple it, the scaling factor is 3.
• Scaling Down: If you want to halve the recipe, the scaling factor is 0.5. To make a quarter of the recipe, the scaling factor is 0.25.

2. Multiply Each Ingredient by the Scaling Factor:

• Using the cookie recipe above, if we want to double it (scaling factor = 2):
  • Flour: 100g x 2 = 200g
  • Sugar: 50g x 2 = 100g
  • Eggs: 2 x 2 = 4

3. Adjust for Units:

• If the recipe requires fractional quantities, you might need to convert them to whole numbers. For example, if a recipe calls for 1/2 cup of milk, and you're doubling it, you'll need 1 cup.

Example: Doubling a Cake Recipe

Original Recipe:

• 200g flour
• 150g sugar
• 3 eggs
• 100g butter

Doubling the Recipe:

• Flour: 200g x 2 = 400g
• Sugar: 150g x 2 = 300g
• Eggs: 3 x 2 = 6
• Butter: 100g x 2 = 200g

Tips for Recipe Calculation:

• Use a calculator: This will make calculations easier, especially when dealing with fractions.
• Round Up or Down: For ingredients like flour or sugar, you can round up or down to the nearest whole number.
• Check for Consistency: Ensure all ingredients are measured in the same units (e.g., grams, cups).
• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice recipe calculation, the more confident you'll become.

Conclusion

Recipe calculation is a valuable skill for everyday life, allowing you to adjust recipes for your specific needs. By understanding ratios, scaling factors, and adjusting units, you can confidently create delicious meals and treats for yourself and others.