How to Simplify Ratios
A ratio is in simplest form when its terms have no common factors other than 1.
Steps to Simplify
- Identify the terms of the ratio (e.g., 10:20).
- Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the terms. For 10 and 20, the GCD is 10.
- Divide each term by the GCD.
- 10 ÷ 10 = 1
- 20 ÷ 10 = 2
- The simplified ratio is 1:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I simplify a ratio?
To simplify a ratio, find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numbers and divide each part of the ratio by it.
What is the simplest form of 4:8?
Both numbers are divisible by 4. 4÷4=1 and 8÷4=2, so the simplest form is 1:2.
Can I simplify a ratio with 3 numbers?
Yes, you need to find a number that divides evenly into all three parts. For example, 2:4:6 simplifies to 1:2:3 by dividing everything by 2.
