Simplifying Ratios

What do ratios show?

The relative sizes of two groups.

When can a ratio be simplified?

When both parts share a common factor.

What does a simplified ratio show?

The same relationship but with smaller, easier numbers.

Key idea for simplifying ratios

Divide both parts by the same number.

When is a ratio in simplest form?

When the only common factor left is 1.

Example: Simplify 60 blueberries to 24 cherries

Divide by GCF 12 → 5 blueberries to 2 cherries.

What happens if you divide by the GCF?

The ratio is simplified in one step.

What happens if you divide by a smaller factor?

You’ll have to simplify again.

What should you always double-check after simplifying?

That the final numbers don’t share any factor other than 1.

Quick tip to memorize simplifying ratios

Divide both sides by the same number → simplest ratio.