Writing Ratios in Three Forms
A ratio compares two quantities. In these exercises, you may be asked to write the same ratio in three common forms:
- Using words: for example, “3 to 5”
- Using a colon: for example,
3:5
- As a fraction: for example,
3/5
How to do it
- Identify the two quantities being compared.
- Keep the order the same. If the ratio is first to second, do not swap them.
- Write the ratio in each form:
- words: “a to b”
- colon:
a:b
- fraction:
a/b
- Simplify if possible. If both numbers share a factor, divide both by the same number to get an equivalent, simplified ratio.
Example method
If the ratio is 6:9, divide both parts by 3 to simplify:
- words: 2 to 3
- colon:
2:3
- fraction:
2/3
Check your answer
Make sure all three forms show the same comparison and are fully simplified when needed. The numbers should match in order, and the fraction should represent the same ratio exactly.