A ratio is a way of comparing the quantity, amount or size of two or more things. Using the following information, you will learn how to find a ratio and how to write it three different ways: A pet store has 8 dogs, 10 cats and 15 birds.
Find the Ratio of Birds to Cats
A ratio can be either a proper fraction or an improper fraction.
Word problems often provide extra information. Don't think you must use all of the numbers just because they are there.
Pay close attention to the order of things you are comparing; the ratio must be written in the same order. There are 15 birds and 10 cats, so the ratio is 15 to 10. You can also write this as 15:10 or 15/10.
Simplify the ratio. Notice that 15/10 is a fraction. Remember that to simplify fractions, you divide both numerator and denominator by the greatest common factor (GCF). Dividing both 15 and 10 by 5 gives you the simplified fraction 3/2. 15 to 10 becomes 3 to 2, and 15:10 becomes 3:2.
Restate the question in the answer to be sure that you put things in the right order. "The ratio of birds to cats is 3:2." What this means is that for every three birds in the store, there are two cats.
Tips
Warnings
Tips
- A ratio can be either a proper fraction or an improper fraction.
Warnings
- Word problems often provide extra information. Don't think you must use all of the numbers just because they are there.