Ratio word problems

Ratio word problems Ratio is a very basic and common concept in mathematics. Ratio is the comparison between quantitates or numbers. The symbol for the representing ratio is :. Ratio helps in solving questions related to comparisons, proportions and many word problems. For example, a / b can be written as a : b. Here a / b is fraction form and a:b is the ratio form. The ratio can be simplifies if a and b have any common factors. Example 1: In the drawing class there are 5 girls and 6 boys. In the singing class there are 7 girls and 6 boys. Which class had higher girls to boy ratio? Solution: The ratio between number of boys and number of girls in the drawing class = 5: 6. The ratio between number of boys and number of girls in the singing class = 7: 6. Comparing both the ratios writing in the fraction form: 5/6 and 7/6. Here the denominator of the fractions is the same so the fraction with grater numerator is greater. Hence, 7/6 5/6. Therefore the ratio between the number of girls and boys is greater in the singing class. Question: Multiple choice question (Pick the correct option.) What is equivalent ration to 24: 12? a) 1: 2 b) 2: 1 c) 1:3 d) None of these. Correct answer: option b. Explanation: The given ratio can be further simplified as 24 and 12 have a common factor 12. Therefore, dividing 24 and 12 by 12 gives 24: 12 = 2: 1.