Understanding Ratios and Proportions
A ratio indicates how many times one number contains another. For example, if a bowl of fruit contains eight oranges and six lemons, then the ratio of oranges to lemons is 8:6.
Simplifying Ratios
To simplify a ratio, you divide both numbers by their Greatest Common Factor (GCF). 8:6 simplifies to 4:3 because both are divisible by 2.
Proportions
A proportion is an equation stating that two ratios are equal (A:B = C:D). You can solve for a missing value using cross-multiplication: A × D = B × C.