1.7.1

Manipulating Ratios

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Simplifying Ratios

A ratio a : b means that for each 'a' of one thing there are 'b' of another. For example if the ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3 : 4 that means that for every 3 boys there are 4 girls.

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Reducing a ratio

  • To reduce a ratio to a simpler form divide all parts by the same number.
  • It is in its simplest form if all parts are whole numbers and there are no more common factors left to divide by.
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Fractions and decimals

  • If a ratio contains decimals or fractions, multiply to get rid of them before simplifying the ratio.
  • If a ratio has mixed units convert both to the smaller unit and simplify.
  • Then remove the units from the ratio.

Ratio Notation & Reduction

A ratio a : b means that for each "a" of one thing there are "b" of another. For example if the ratio of boys to girls in a class is 3 : 4 that means that for every 3 boys there are 4 girls.

Illustrative background for Reducing a ratioIllustrative background for Reducing a ratio ?? "content

Reducing a ratio

  • To reduce a ratio to a simpler form divide all parts by the same number.
  • It is in its simplest form if all parts are whole numbers and there are no more common factors left to divide by.
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Decimals and fractions in ratios

  • If a ratio contains decimals or fractions multiply to get rid of them before simplifying the ratio.
    • 2.5 : 3 is the same as 5 : 6 (multiplied both sides by 2)
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Mixed unit ratios

  • If a ratio has mixed units convert both to the smaller unit and simplify.
  • Once both are using the same unit you can remove the units from the ratio.
    • 4.6kg : 2300g is the same as 4600g : 2300g
    • We can remove the unit and simplify to get 2:1

Part : Part Ratio

If three people (Amy, Bob and Cara) divide up £5400 in the ratio 2 : 3 : 4, how much money does each of them get?

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Find number of parts

  • If three people (Amy, Bob and Cara) divide up £5400 in the ratio 2 : 3 : 4 then there are 9 parts in total.
    • 2 + 3 + 4 = 9
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Find value of each part and multiply

  • Each part is worth £5400 ÷ 9 = £600:
    • Amy gets 2 × £600 = £1200
    • Bob gets 3 × £600 = £1800
    • Cara gets 4 × £600 = £2400
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Checking

  • Check the result by adding these quantities and checking it is the same as the original.

Jump to other topics

1Numbers

2Equations, Formulae & Identities

3Sequences, Functions & Graphs

4Geometry

5Vectors & Transformation Geometry

6Statistics & Probability

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