Question

Simplify the ratio 5m:240cm

Answer 1

25:12

Explanation:

First you have to convert both amounts into the same unit. So;

5m × 100 = 500 cm

We're multiplying by 100 because a metre is 100 times bigger than 1 cm.

This changes the ratio from 5:240 to 500:240, which makes it easier to get to your end result.

Now, find the Highest Common Factor of both 500 and 240 - much like you do when simplifying fractions.

Factors of 240 = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 24, 30, 40, 48, 60, 80, 120 and 240.

Factors of 500 = 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 125, 250 and 500.

We then divide both numbers by the HCF, which we've just figured out is 20;

240 ÷ 20 = 12

500 ÷ 20 = 25

And there's your answer, 25:12

Answer 2

To simplify the ratio make sure that the units are the same

5m:240cm

Change the meters into centimeters

That's

1m = 100cm

5m = 500cm

So we have

500cm:240cm

500/240

= 25/12

= 25:12

Hope this helps