Question

Write each ratio statement as a fraction and reduce to lowest terms if possible:

Answer 1

The answers are:

18 to 24 =  $\frac{18}{24} = \frac{3}{4}$

5 to 15 =  $\frac{5}{15} = \frac{1}{3}$

14:42 =  $\frac{14}{42} = \frac{1}{3}$

15 cents to 18 cents = $\frac{15}{18} = \frac{5}{6}$

Explanation:

To write a fraction using a ratio, simply use the first number as the numerator (top number), in this case, the numbers 18, 5, 14, and 15, and the second or biggest number as a denominator (bottom number), in this case, the numbers 24, 15, 42 and 18. This means the fractions are  $\frac{18}{24}$,  $\frac{5}{15}$, $\frac{14}{42}$ , and  $\frac{15}{18}$.

The second step is to reduce or simplify the fractions, which means the numbers in a fraction are divided by the same factor (a number that divides another without a remainder). Additionally, to do this, it is important to reduce the fraction to its minimum.

$\frac{18}{24}$ divide this by 6, which is equivalent to $\frac{3}{4}$

$\frac{5}{15}$ divide this by 5, which is equivalent to $\frac{1}{3}$

$\frac{14}{42}$ divide this by 14. which is equivalent to $\frac{1}{3}$

$\frac{15}{18}$ divide this by 3, which is equivalent to $\frac{5}{6}$