Chapter 9 · Questions · page 51 of 68
How do you simplify a ratio?
Short answerDivide both parts by their greatest common factor, the same way you simplify a fraction. 24 : 36 becomes 2 : 3.
levelPre-algebra
standard6.RP.A.1
practiceRatios and rates
A ratio compares two amounts in a set order. Dividing both parts by the same number keeps the comparison the same while making the numbers smaller. Keep the order the question used.
How to use it
- Write the parts in the order asked.
- Find the greatest common factor of the parts.
- Divide both parts by it.
Example
Where it goes wrong
- Switching the order. 2 : 3 and 3 : 2 say different things.
- Comparing a part to the other part when the question asks part to whole.