Ratio

This week in maths we are revisiting ratio.
A ratio is like quantity VS quantity.
An easy question would be:
There are 12 boys in a class of 26. what is the ratio of boys to girls?
In this question you basically need to think: How many boys compared to girls?
Let me break it down-
12 + X = 26
X = 14
Boys - 12      Girls - 14
Ratio = 12:14
Can we simplify that answer? Yes!
Both 12 and 14 are even numbers. we can simplify our answer by splitting both numbers into twos.
Then our answer would be: 6:7
Sometimes we can simplify answers more than once but in the case you can't, because these two result numbers can't be multiplied by the same number, so we'll have to stay with 6:7
The reason people simplify is that sometimes you may be asked to state your answer in the lowest terms. so remember to check and double- check you can't simplify your answer even more.
Tip- when you read or are asked your question, look at the way it says to put your ratio. Here is an example:
Jo has 6 pencils and 12 sparkly gel pens.
What is the ratio of gel pens to pencils?
now, look how it says pencils first and gel pens second, but it asks for gel pens first? if it asked for pencils to gel pens, the ratio would be 6:12, and simplified, 2,4 and then 1:2, but because it asks for gel pens first, the answer is 12:6, then 4:2 and then 2:1
Thanks for reading, bye!