3.1.1

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.

Jump to other topics

1Number

1.1Place Value

1.2Factors & Multiples

1.3Operations

1.4Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

1.5Growth & Decay

1.6Measurements & Units

1.7Accuracy

2Algebra

3Ratio, Proportion & Rates of Change

4Geometry & Measures

5Probability

6Statistics

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