Understanding how to calculate the ratio between two numbers is a vital skill in many aspects of life. From using proportions in cooking and baking to determining proportions in business, calculating ratios can be extremely helpful. In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step process on how to calculate the ratio between two numbers.

Step 1: Write down the two numbers you want to find the ratio for

Before you begin your calculations, correctly write down the two numbers you want to determine the ratio for. For example, let’s choose the numbers 8 and 12.

Step 2: Identify the greatest common divisor (GCD)

The greatest common divisor (GCD) is the largest number that divides both of your chosen numbers without leaving any remainder. To find this number, you can either use a calculator with a GCD function or follow methods such as prime factorization or Euclid’s algorithm. For our example with 8 and 12, their GCD is 4.

Step 3: Divide both numbers by the GCD

Once you’ve determined your GCD, take each of your chosen numbers and divide them by this value. In our example, divide both 8 and 12 by their GCD (4):

– 8 ÷ 4 = 2

– 12 ÷ 4 = 3

Step 4: Write down your ratio

Now that you have found your simplified values for each of your initial numbers, you can write down your ratio. Our simplified numbers were 2 and 3, so our ratio is 2:3.

Conclusion:

Calculating ratios between two numbers is an essential skill that can be used in various aspects of everyday life. In only four simple steps—writing down your initial numbers, determining their GCD, dividing each number by their GCD, and expressing your simplified values as a ratio—you will be able to find the ratio between any pair of numbers. So go ahead and confidently find ratios in cooking, finance, business, and beyond with this easy-to-follow method.