If you have a ratio, it possible to enlarge or reduce the ratio by using simple multiplication and division. Reducing a ratio allows you to simplify the terms of the ratio to smaller numbers that may be easier to understand. For example, five of every six people is easier to understand than 500 out of every 600. Enlarging ratios makes the number bigger. This may provide more meaning. For example, if you have 900 out of every 1,000 people survive surgery, it sounds better than nine out of every 10 survive.
Determine your ratio. For example, assume your ratio is 9 out of 10.
Multiply the numerator and the denominator by the same number. For example, 9 times 10 equals 90 and 10 times 10 equals 100, so the new ratio is 90 out of 100.
Divide the numerator and denominator of the ratio by the same number to reduce the ratio. In the example, 90 divided by 50 equals 1.8 and 100 divided by 50 equals 2, so your ratio is 1.8 out of 2.
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About the Author
Carter McBride started writing in 2007 with CMBA's IP section. He has written for Bureau of National Affairs, Inc and various websites. He received a CALI Award for The Actual Impact of MasterCard's Initial Public Offering in 2008. McBride is an attorney with a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University and a Master of Science in accounting from the University of Connecticut.
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