- Definition
A constant rate means something changes at the exact same speed or amount all the time, never getting faster or slower. For example, if you pay $10 every month for a subscription, that's a constant rate.
Driving at a constant rate of 50 kilometres per hour means you travel 50 kilometres every single hour.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A constant rate is like walking at a steady pace, where each minute you travel the exact same distance.
Ask your child: If a car is on cruise control, what is staying the same?
Common mix-up: Kids might think any type of pattern is a constant rate. A constant rate means the amount of change is exactly the same for each unit of time or item.
Examples
- Earning $15 for every hour of babysitting is a constant rate.
- If apples cost $2 each, the price per apple is a constant rate.
constant rate is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
