To compare 16 centimeters to 9 meters as a ratio and reduce it to its lowest terms, follow these steps:
1. Conversion: First, convert 9 meters into centimeters. Since there are 100 centimeters in a meter, multiply 9 meters by 100.
[tex]\[
9 \text{ meters} \times 100 = 900 \text{ centimeters}
\][/tex]
2. Forming the Ratio: Now, form the ratio using the two quantities in centimeters.
[tex]\[
\text{Ratio} = \frac{16 \text{ cm}}{900 \text{ cm}}
\][/tex]
3. Simplifying the Ratio: To simplify the ratio to its lowest terms, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 16 and 900.
- The GCD of 16 and 900 is 4.
4. Reducing the Ratio: Divide both the numerator and the denominator of the ratio by their GCD (4).
[tex]\[
\frac{16 \div 4}{900 \div 4} = \frac{4}{225}
\][/tex]
Therefore, the ratio of 16 centimeters to 9 meters, reduced to its lowest terms, is:
[tex]\[
\boxed{\frac{4}{225}}
\][/tex]
