Write the ratio as a ratio of whole numbers using fractional notation.
15 inches to 18 inches
In fractional notation, the ratio of 15 inches to 18 inches is
(Simplify your answer.)
Answer (1)
Write the ratio as a fraction: 18 15 .
Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 15 and 18, which is 3.
Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD: 18 ÷ 3 15 ÷ 3 = 6 5 .
The simplified ratio is 6 5 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are asked to express the ratio of 15 inches to 18 inches as a simplified fraction. This means we need to write the ratio as a fraction and then reduce it to its simplest form by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
Finding the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) First, we write the ratio as a fraction: 18 15 Next, we find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 15 and 18. The GCD is the largest number that divides both 15 and 18 without leaving a remainder. From the tool, the GCD of 15 and 18 is 3.
Simplifying the Fraction Now, we divide both the numerator and the denominator of the fraction by their GCD, which is 3: 18 ÷ 3 15 ÷ 3 = 6 5 So, the simplified fraction is 6 5 .
Final Answer Therefore, the ratio of 15 inches to 18 inches, expressed as a simplified fraction, is 6 5 .
Examples
Ratios and fractions are used in everyday life, such as when cooking, measuring ingredients, or determining proportions. For example, if a recipe calls for a ratio of 15 grams of sugar to 18 grams of flour, you can simplify this ratio to 5 grams of sugar to 6 grams of flour to make a smaller batch of the recipe while maintaining the correct proportions. Understanding how to simplify ratios helps in scaling recipes, mixing solutions, or comparing quantities in various situations.
