Basic Ratios

Front

What is a ratio?

Back

A ratio is a comparison of two quantities that shows how many times one value contains or is contained within the other.

Front

How do you write a ratio?

Back

Ratios can be written in three ways: using a colon (e.g., 3:4), as a fraction (e.g., 3/4), or with the word 'to' (e.g., 3 to 4).

Front

What does the term 'part' mean in ratios?

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In ratios, a 'part' refers to a single unit of measurement in the comparison. For example, in the ratio 3:4, there are 3 parts of the first quantity and 4 parts of the second.

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What is the simplest form of a ratio?

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The simplest form of a ratio is when the two quantities are expressed in the smallest whole numbers possible. For example, the ratio 6:8 can be simplified to 3:4.

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How do you simplify a ratio?

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To simplify a ratio, divide both sides of the ratio by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, to simplify 8:12, divide both by 4 to get 2:3.

Front

What is a proportion?

Back

A proportion is an equation that states that two ratios are equal. For example, if 1:2 = 2:4, then these ratios are in proportion.

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How do you find an equivalent ratio?

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To find an equivalent ratio, multiply or divide both terms of the ratio by the same non-zero number. For example, multiplying 2:3 by 2 gives 4:6.

Front

What is the ratio of red circles to blue stars if there are 3 red circles and 4 blue stars?

Back

The ratio of red circles to blue stars is 3:4.

Front

If there are 5 seals and 3 turtles, what is the ratio of seals to turtles?

Back

The ratio of seals to turtles is 5:3.

Front

What is the ratio of red apples to green apples if there are 4 red apples and 3 green apples?

Back

The ratio of red apples to green apples is 4:3.