Question

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O DECIMALS, PROPORTIONS, PERCENTS
Simplifying a ratio of whole numbers: Problem type 1
Write the ratio as a fraction in simplest form, with whole numbers in the numerator and denominator.
40 L: 72 L

Answer 1

5/9

Explanation:

You want the reduced fraction equivalent to the ratio 40L : 72L.

Reduced ratio

A ratio is reduced by removing the greatest common factor from all parts of the ratio. Here, that factor is 8L.

40L : 72L = (8L)(5) : (8L)(9) = 5 : 9 = 5/9

The ratio is 5/9.

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Additional comment

The greatest common factor can be found several ways. The easiest is for you to make use of your knowledge of multiplication tables:

40 = 5·8

72 = 9·8

8 is a common factor. Since 5 and 9 have no common factors, 8 is the greatest common factor of 40 and 72.