Question

What is the ratio of red to blue squares in its simplest form? 14 red 4 blue

Answer 1

Simplest Form: $7 : 2$

How to Simplify a Ratio A : B when A and B are both whole numbers:

1. List the factors of A
2. List the factors of B
3. Find the greatest common factor of A and B, GCF(A, B)
4. Divide A and B each by the GCF
5. Use the whole number results to rewrite the ratio in simplest form

Try to reduce the ratio further with the greatest common factor (GCF).

The GCF of 14 and 4 is 2

Divide both terms by the GCF, 2:

14 ÷ 2 = 7

4 ÷ 2 = 2

The ratio 14 : 4 can be reduced to lowest terms by dividing both terms by the GCF = 2 :

14 : 4 = 7 : 2

Therefore:

14 : 4 = 7 : 2