Simplest Form:
How to Simplify a Ratio A : B when A and B are both whole numbers:
- List the factors of A
- List the factors of B
- Find the greatest common factor of A and B, GCF(A, B)
- Divide A and B each by the GCF
- Use the whole number results to rewrite the ratio in simplest form
Try to reduce the ratio further with the greatest common factor (GCF).
<em>The GCF of 14 and 4 is 2</em>
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