Q1: What is a ratio and how is it simplified?
A ratio compares two quantities, showing their relative sizes. It's simplified by dividing both numbers by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, 16:4 simplifies to 4:1 by dividing both by 4.
Q2: How do I read a ratio?
Ratios are read as "A to B" or "A:B". For example, 4:1 means "4 to 1" - for every 4 units of the first quantity, there is 1 unit of the second. Ratios can also be written as fractions (4/1).
Q3: What is the simplest form of a ratio?
A ratio is in simplest form when the two numbers have no common factors other than 1. The calculator uses the greatest common divisor (GCD) to automatically reduce ratios to their simplest form.
Q4: Can ratios have decimal numbers?
Ratios are typically expressed as whole numbers, but they can represent decimal relationships. The calculator simplifies ratios to whole numbers when possible. If the input has decimals, it will simplify proportionally.
Q5: How are ratios used in real life?
Ratios are used in recipes (ingredient proportions), maps (scale), finance (debt-to-equity), sports (win-loss records), and many other contexts where comparing two quantities is important.
Q6: What is the difference between a ratio and a fraction?
A ratio compares two quantities (A:B), while a fraction represents a part of a whole (A/B). Ratios show relationships, while fractions show division. However, they're mathematically related and can often be converted between forms.