Equivalent Ratios and Scale Drawings: A Simple Guide

Equivalent ratios and scale drawings are important tools in math, especially when you're working on projects or art. Let’s break down how they are connected.

1. What Are Ratios?
   When we talk about equivalent ratios, we mean pairs of numbers that show the same relationship.

For example:

• $1:2$
• $2:4$
• $3:6$

All of these ratios show the same kind of relationship, just with different numbers!

2. What Is a Scale Drawing?
   A scale drawing is a way to represent an object that is either bigger or smaller than the real thing. We use equivalent ratios to do this.

For example, if you’re drawing a building and you choose a scale of $1:100$, it means that every 1 unit on your drawing equals 100 units in real life.

3. How to Use Ratios in Drawings
   When making a scale drawing, you need to use equivalent ratios to keep the right sizes.

Let's say your original dimensions are 50 cm by 100 cm, and you want to scale it down using a ratio of $1:10$.

Your new sizes would be:

• 5 cm by 10 cm

This keeps everything in the same proportion.

In Summary
Understanding equivalent ratios helps you make accurate scale drawings. This makes both ideas really helpful in real-life projects!