How do you tell if ratios are equivalent?

Answer 1

Ratios can be expressed as fractions. For example 1:7 can be written 1/7.

Just as a fraction can be converted into an equivalent fraction by multiplying (or dividing) both the numerator and denominator by the same number then the same process can be applied to ratios.

To compare two ratios then convert either the first or second number of the ratio so that both ratios have the same number. A direct comparison can then be made.

EXAMPLE : 3:7 compared to 334 :777

If the figures in the first ratio are multiplied by 111 this makes the second number in both ratios the same. Then 3:7 is equivalent 333:777 which is not equal to 334:777

Equally, The second number in the second ratio could be divided by 111 in which case the comparison would then become 334:777 is equivalent to 3.009:7 which is not 3:7.

Answer 2

-- See whether their cross-products are equal.

-- Alternatively, (actually exactly the same thing), you could invert one and then

multiply them. The original two ratios are equivalent if the product is ' 1 '.

Answer 3

if you can multiply the numerator and the denominator by the same number in the first fraction and it equals the second fraction than they should be equal

Answer 4

4:11 and 12:3