How to Simplify Ratios

Simplifying ratios is pretty easy when you know what to do. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Look at the Ratio: First, take a look at the ratio. For example, we have $12:16$.

2. Find Common Factors: Next, we need to find the common factors of both numbers.

   • The factors of $12$ are $1$, $2$, $3$, $4$, $6$, and $12$.
   • The factors of $16$ are $1$, $2$, $4$, $8$, and $16$.
   • The factors that are the same for both numbers are $1$, $2$, and $4$. The biggest one is $4$.

3. Divide Both Numbers: Now, we will simplify the ratio by dividing both sides by that greatest common factor, which is $4$.

   • So, we do this: $\frac{12}{4} : \frac{16}{4} = 3:4$

In the end, we find that the simplified ratio of $12:16$ is $3:4$.

See? It’s not hard at all! Just remember to look for those common factors!