Ratios can be fully simplified just like fractions. To simplify a ratio, divide all of the numbers in the ratio by the same number until they cannot be divided any more.
How do you simplify a ratio example?
Example: Simplify the ratio 6 : 10
- The factors of 6 are: 1, 2, 3, 6.
- The factors of 10 are: 1, 2, 5, 10.
- Then the greatest common factor of 6 and 10 is 2.
- Divide both terms by 2.
- 6 ÷ 2 = 3.
- 10 ÷ 2 = 5.
- Rewrite the ratio using the results. The simplified ratio is 3 : 5.
- 6 : 10 = 3 : 5 in simplest form.
How do you simplify a hard ratio?
Simplifying more difficult ratios
- multiply the numbers to make them all whole numbers.
- divide both numbers by the highest common factor.
