How can ratios be written?

Answer 1

A ratio is a comparison of two numbers. You can write a ratio in these ways:

a to b, a : b, or a/b. Ratios are often written as fractions. A ratio that is expressed as a fraction is generally written in lowest terms. If the ratio involves unit of measure, you must ensure that the units are the same.

Example:

Write ratios in lowest terms.

20/52 = (20/4)/(52/4) = 5/13

240/200 = (240/40)/(200/40) = 6/5

There are continued ratio, or extended ratio, which relates more than two numbers.

Example:

The measures of the angles of a triangle are related by the ratio 3 : 4 : 5. Find the measure of each angle.

Solution:

The ratio 3 : 4 : 5 is equivalent to 3x + 4x + 5x. We write an equation by using, 3x, 4x, and 5x to represent the measures of the angles. The sum of the angles of a triangle is 180 degrees. So,

3x + 4x + 5x = 180

12x = 180

x = 15

Thus, the measures of the angles are 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 75 degrees.