Question

what is a non-unit rate?

Answer 1

I am not familiar with the terminology used this way.

Answer 2

well, I guess 5 cows per acre would be a unit rate
but
1 cow per 50 cows gives no milk has no units

Answer 3

Here is an example of a "non-unit" rate

If the failures on a particular welding process was on the average one inch per 1000 inches, we would say
failure rate=1inch/1000inches = .001
Notice the units divide out.
We Engineers avoid that, we would read the rate as one inch per thousand inches. But Math guys, and statatisians, and quality control tracking guys will say the rate as one thousandth (no units).

Another reason I was a happy engineer.

Answer 4

right, Damon, that example is correct.