Ratios

Ratios

A ratio helps us look at two different amounts in comparison to each other.

Ratios can be written in several ways. The most common form of a ratio is with a colon (:) between the two quantities being compared.

For example, if we were to compare 4 apples to 5 oranges: We can write the ratio to compare apples to oranges as 4:5.

But, ratios can also be written in the fraction format. Using the same apples to oranges comparison, 4/5 is how we'd write the ratio.

Ratios can also be written in word format, although more uncommon. For example:

  • There are 4 apples for every 5 bananas.
  • The ratio of apples to oranges is 4 to 5.

In ratios, order matters! Saying 4:5 is completely different than 5:4. 4:5 is apples to oranges, whereas 5:4 is oranges to apples. They are entirely different ratios. Pay attention to what the question asks for!

Examples

If we have 12 ice cream cones and 2 popsicles, the ratio of ice cream cones to popsicles in different forms is:

  • 12:2
  • 12/2
  • There are 12 ice cream cones for every 2 popsicles.
  • The ratio of ice cream cones to popsicles is 12:2.

If we have 0 books and 3 newspapers, the ratio of books to newspapers in different forms is:

  • 0:3
  • 0/3
  • There are 0 books for every 3 newspapers.
  • The ratio of books to newspapers is 0:3.

If we have 100 toddlers and 1 teenager, the ratio of toddlers to teenagers in different forms is:

  • 100:1
  • 100/1
  • There are 100 toddlers for every 1 teenager.
  • The ratio of toddlers to teenagers is 100:1.

For more: Return to Pre-Algebra

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