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What is the easy way to learn ratios


User Asma
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1 Answer

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A ratio is a mathematical comparison of two numbers, based on division. For example, suppose you bring 2 scarves and 3 caps with you on a ski vacation. Here are a few ways to express the ratio of scarves to caps


2:3 \: \: \: \: 2 \: to \: 3 \: \: (2)/(3)

The simplest way to work with a ratio is to turn it into a fraction. Be sure to keep the order the same: The first number goes on top of the fraction, and the second number goes on the bottom.

In practice, a ratio is most useful when used to set up a proportion — that is, an equation involving two ratios. Typically, a proportion looks like a word equation, as follows:


(scarves)/(caps) = (2)/(3)

For example, suppose you know that both you and your friend Andrew brought the same proportion of scarves to caps. If you also know that Andrew brought 8 scarves, you can use this proportion to find out how many caps he brought. Just increase the terms of the fraction


(2)/(3)

so that the numerator becomes 8. Do this in two steps:


(scarves)/(caps) = (2 * 4)/(3 * 4) \\ \\ (scarves)/(caps) = (8)/(12)

As you can see, the ratio 8:12 is equivalent to the ratio 2:3 because the fractions


(2)/(3) \: \: and \: \: (8)/(12)

are equal. Therefore, Andrew brought 12 caps

hope it helps

User BiTOk
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