How To Calculate Ratios

What is a ratio in simple terms?

A ratio is a way to compare two quantities by expressing how much of one thing exists relative to another, usually using two numbers.

How to calculate a ratio between two numbers?

To calculate a ratio between two numbers, divide one number by the other and then simplify the fraction if possible. For example, the ratio of 10 to 5 is 10:510:5, which simplifies to 2:12:1.

Give an example of calculating a part-to-whole ratio?

If you have 2 red apples and 3 green apples, the part-to-whole ratio of red apples to total apples is 2:52:5 (2 red apples to 5 total apples).

What are the steps to simplify a ratio properly?

To simplify a ratio, divide both sides of the ratio by their greatest common divisor. For instance, to simplify the ratio 18:12, divide both numbers by 6 to get 3:2.

How can you express ratios in different forms?

Ratios can be expressed in three forms: fraction (3/4​), colon (3:4), or words (“3 to 4”).

What is a common mistake when calculating ratios and how can you avoid it?

A common mistake is not simplifying the ratio fully. To avoid this, always check if both numbers in the ratio can be divided by the same smaller number until no further reduction is possible.

A ratio is a mathematical expression that compares two or more numbers. It shows the relative sizes or quantities of one value to another. It is expressed in the form of a fraction or with a colon, such as 3:1 or 3/1, indicating that for every unit of the second quantity, there are three units of the first.

In this article, you will get a step-by-step guide on how to calculate ratios.