Simplifying Ratios Flashcards

Divide all parts of the ratio by their highest common factor (HCF).

A ratio is in simplest form when the numbers in the ratio have no common factors other than 1.

Divide both parts by their HCF (4): 12 ÷ 4 = 3, 16 ÷ 4 = 4. Simplified ratio is 3:4.

Divide both parts by their HCF (5): 50 ÷ 5 = 10, 35 ÷ 5 = 7. Simplified ratio is 10:7.

Find the HCF of 18, 27, and 36 (which is 9). Divide each part by 9: 18 ÷ 9 = 2, 27 ÷ 9 = 3, 36 ÷ 9 = 4. Simplified ratio is 2:3:4.

If a ratio contains fractions or decimals, multiply all parts by the same number to make them whole numbers.

Multiply both parts by 10 to remove decimals: 0.5 × 10 = 5, 1.5 × 10 = 15. Then simplify 5:15 by dividing by 5. Final ratio is 1:3.

Find a common denominator (4). Convert to 3/4:2/4. Remove the denominators: 3:2. Simplified ratio is 3:2.

Find the HCF of 6, 9, and 12 (which is 3). Divide each part by 3: 6 ÷ 3 = 2, 9 ÷ 3 = 3, 12 ÷ 3 = 4. Simplified ratio is 2:3:4.

Find the HCF of 24, 36, and 60 (which is 12). Divide each part by 12: 24 ÷ 12 = 2, 36 ÷ 12 = 3, 60 ÷ 12 = 5. Simplified ratio is 2:3:5.