How to simplify a ratio, decimals and three parts included.
How to simplify a ratio such as 12 : 18 to 2 : 3, clear decimals from 1.5 : 2.25 : 3, and turn a ratio into each part's share of the whole.
By Suraj Kumar3 min read
A ratio keeps its meaning when every part is multiplied or divided by the same number. Simplifying means finding the smallest whole numbers that do the same job.
Divide by the largest common factor.
12 and 18 are both divisible by 6, so 12 : 18 is 2 : 3. The Ratio calculator finds the largest number that goes into every part and says it.
Clear the decimals first.
1.5 : 2.25 : 3 is multiplied by 4, the smallest number that makes every part whole, to give 6 : 9 : 12, and then divided by 3 to give 2 : 3 : 4. Fractions such as ½ : ⅓ are cleared the same way.
Further reading
Topics: simplify ratio · ratio calculator · how to simplify a ratio · ratio with decimals · three part ratio · ratio to percentage
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