Math

Writing ratios.

Definition

Writing ratios means expressing the relationship between two or more quantities as a comparison. Ratios can be written in three forms: using a colon (3:4), as a fraction (3/4), or with the word 'to' (3 to 4).

Examples

Real-world.

  • 1 If a class has 12 boys and 18 girls, the ratio of boys to girls is 12:18 or simplified 2:3
  • 2 A recipe calls for 2 cups flour to 1 cup sugar, written as 2:1
  • 3 In a bag with 5 red and 3 blue marbles, the ratio of red to total is 5:8
Key Fact

Ratios should always be simplified to lowest terms, like fractions

Studied in

1 unit use this concept.