Ratios

A ratio tells us how two things compare. It shows how much of one thing there is next to another. For example, if a class has 10 girls and 5 boys, the ratio of girls to boys is 10 to 5. Ratios help us talk about amounts in a simple way.

Writing Ratios

You can write a ratio in a few different ways. You might write it with the word 'to,' like 3 to 2. You can also use a colon, like 3:2. Sometimes ratios look like fractions, such as 3/2. All three ways mean the same thing. They show how two numbers are linked.

Using Ratios Every Day

Ratios are all around us. When you mix juice with water, the recipe uses a ratio. Maps use ratios to show how far places are in real life. Cooking, building, and even sports use ratios. They help people get the right amount of things.

Fun Facts

• The ratio 1:1 means two things are equal.
• Ratios can be made smaller, like turning 4:2 into 2:1.
• The word 'ratio' comes from a Latin word meaning 'reason.'

Did You Know?

Pancake recipes often use a ratio of 2 cups of flour to 1 cup of milk to get the perfect batter.