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Ratio
See It in Action
Two examples of the idea done right—and one common look-alike that is not right.
EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE
NON-EXAMPLE
Definition
A ratio is a comparison of two quantities that shows how many times one value contains or is contained within the other. It is often expressed as a fraction, with the first quantity (the part) as the numerator and the second quantity (the whole) as the denominator. Ratios can also be written using a colon (:) to separate the two quantities.
For example, if there are 3 apples and 5 oranges, the ratio of apples to oranges can be expressed as:
As a fraction: 3/5
Using a colon: 3:5
Ratios can be simplified like fractions and can be used to solve problems involving proportions, rates, and comparisons between quantities.
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