Today we have been simplifying ratios by dividing numbers by their highest common factor.
Think about the ratio 18:24
18 and 24 both have the factor 6.
18 divided by 6 = 3
24 divided by 6 = 4
So 18:24 is the same as 3:4
If you fancy having a go at simplifying ratios, here are some for you to try.
a. 42:70
b. 36:66
c. 50:200
d. 45:80
e. 18:72
Have fun!
seahorsec4.wordpress.com 
December 13, 2007 at 11:25 pm
This still does not teach me how to simplify a ratio.
December 16, 2007 at 3:13 pm
It does if you understand what factors are.
To simplify a ratio you have to divide all the numbers in the ratio by a common factor.
For example, if the ratio was 6:12, both six and twelve can be divided by 6.
6 is their highest common factor. (A common factor is a factor which numbers have.)
Now you need to use that factor to divide the 6 and the 12.
6 divided by 6 = 1
12 divided by 6 = 2
So, the ratio 6:12 can be simplified to 1:2
Of course 6:12 has other common factors. 3 is one of them.
6 divided by 3 = 2
12 divided by 3 = 4
So 6:12 = 2:4 = 1:2
August 3, 2008 at 8:04 am
i know all that above but….
how do u simplify them when they are like… 3.5:1.5?????
August 3, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I would simplify 3.5:1.5 by doubling both to get integers rather than mixed numbers. I’d also swap them round, putting the smaller amount first.
1.5:3.5 = 3:7
I hope that that helps.
Kind regards,
The Robot.
September 24, 2008 at 10:28 pm
i do not get it at all robot, u r a genius, y dont u help me after u read this
October 4, 2008 at 1:43 pm
How can I help you?
Regards,
The Robot.
November 3, 2008 at 6:54 pm
How about if the ratios have no common factor, such as 4.5 and 4.8 and i have to get them into their simplest form?
December 15, 2008 at 11:32 pm
i get it now but make some more easier problems some time
December 26, 2008 at 9:15 pm
I’m sorry. This blog is no longer active! I set it up for the class that I taught last year.
I’m sure you can find more ratio problems somewhere on the internet.