The Universal Calculation Engine
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The Universal Calculation Engine

Ratios

How two quantities compare; order matters (3 to 2 is not 2 to 3).

Start this lessonWhat a ratio compares

Plain definition

A ratio compares two things: “3 to 2” might mean three cups of water for every two of rice. Order matters: 3:2 is not the same story as 2:3.

Simplify like a fraction

Simplify like a fraction: 6:4 and 3:2 describe the same comparison. The mix is unchanged; the numbers are just smaller.

Scale it

Mistakes

  • Adding ratios as if they were plain numbers.
  • Flipping order when the problem names A first then B.

Use the calculator

FAQ

Ratio versus fraction?

A fraction is one number ÷ another. A ratio names two quantities side by side. They line up when the denominator is “the rest of the whole.”