Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Identify the coefficients: Look at the coefficients of the substances in the ratio you want to simplify. For example, if you have a ratio of
4
:
6
4:6, the coefficients are 4 and 6.
Find the greatest common divisor (GCD): Determine the largest number that divides evenly into both coefficients. This number is the greatest common divisor (GCD).
Divide both coefficients by the GCD: Divide both numbers (coefficients) by the GCD found in step 2.
Write the simplified ratio: Write down the simplified ratio using the results from step 3.
Let's illustrate with an example:
Example:
Consider the ratio
4
:
6
4:6.
Identify the coefficients: Here, the coefficients are 4 and 6.
Find the GCD: The GCD of 4 and 6 is 2.
Divide by the GCD:
4
2
=
2
2
4
=2
6
2
=
3
2
6
=3
Write the simplified ratio: The simplified ratio is
2
:
3
2:3.
Therefore,
4
:
6
4:6 simplifies to
2
:
3
2:3.
If you have a different ratio, apply the same steps to find its simplest form by dividing both numbers by their GCD. This ensures that the ratio is in its smallest integer form and cannot be reduced further.