Final Answer:
The ratio of boys to girls in Mr. Harvey's class is 1:3.
Step-by-step explanation:
The given information states that the ratio of boys to girls in Mr. Harvey's class is the same as the ratio in Mrs. Lanza's class. In Mr. Harvey's class, there are 4 boys and 12 girls. To find the ratio, you divide the number of boys by the number of girls. Therefore, the ratio of boys to girls in Mr. Harvey's class is 4:12 or, when simplified, 1:3.
The ratio 1:3 indicates that for every one boy in Mr. Harvey's class, there are three girls. This establishes a proportional relationship between the number of boys and girls in the class. This ratio is consistent with the information provided, aligning with the concept that the ratios in both Mr. Harvey's and Mrs. Lanza's classes are the same.
Understanding and interpreting ratios are fundamental mathematical skills, providing insights into the relative quantities or proportions of different elements within a set. In this scenario, the ratio 1:3 effectively communicates the distribution of boys and girls in Mr. Harvey's class, allowing for easy comparison with Mrs. Lanza's class.