# How to write down a ratio in its simplest form (simplifying ratio method).

## How To Simplify A Ratio Video

Ratios can be simplified in exactly the same ways as a fraction. All you to do is divide both sides of the ratio by the greatest common divisor of the two numbers in the ratio. Let’s take a look at a few examples on simplifying a ratio.

Example 1

Write the ratio 12:8 in its simplest form.

Here the greatest common divisor of 12 and 8 is 4.

So all you need to do is divide both sides of the ratio by 4.

12 ÷ 4 = 3

8 ÷ 4 = 2

So 12:8 = 3:2

Example 2

Write down the ratio 35:10 in its simplest form.

Here the greatest common divisor of 35 and 10 is 5.

So all you need to do is divide both sides of the ratio by 5.

35 ÷ 5 = 7

10 ÷ 5 = 2

So 35:10 = 7:2

Example 3

Write down the ratio 63:28 in its simplest form.

Here the greatest common divisor of 63 and 28 is 7.

So all you need to do is divide both sides of the ratio by 7.

63 ÷ 7 = 9

28 ÷ 7 = 4

So 63:28 = 9:4

Example 4

Over the last 20 working days, David drives to work on 16 days and walks on the other 4 days.

Write down the ratio of the number of days David drives to work to the amount of days David walks to work. Simplify the ratio.

David walks 16 days to work and walks on the other 4 days. Therefore, the ratio is:

16:4

All you need to do now is simplify this ratio.

The greatest common divisor of 16 and 4 is 4.

So all you need to do is divide both sides of the ratio by 4.

16 ÷ 4 = 4

4 ÷ 4 = 1

So 16:4 = 4:1

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Submit a Comment

• Anonymus 5 years ago

Thank you very much, now I understand it much better.

• Augustine A Zavala 6 years ago from Texas

Bookmarked. I'm always needing a refresher on ratios. Thank you for sharing.