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Mathematics vocabulary · Word Problems

Ratio

Meaning in mathematics, with examples

/ˈreɪʃioʊ/nounCore term

In mathematics, ratio means: A comparison of two or more quantities that shows how big one is compared with the other, written like 3:2 and read 'three to two'.

In Turkish: oran

How it is used

Very common in word problems: 'the ratio of boys to girls', 'share £60 in the ratio 2:3', 'simplify the ratio'. Ratios can also be written as fractions, and an equation stating that two ratios are equal is called a proportion.

Example sentences

  1. The ratio of boys to girls in the class is 3 to 4.

  2. Mix the paint in the ratio 2:1, two parts white to one part blue.

Common collocations

  • the ratio of a to b
  • in the ratio
  • simplify a ratio
  • ratio and proportion
  • proportionalChanging together with another quantity so that their ratio stays fixed; if y is proportional to x, doubling x also doubles y.
  • fractionA number that shows part of a whole, written as one number over another, such as ¾, where 3 is the numerator and 4 is the denominator.
  • percentageAn amount expressed as a number out of 100 and written with the sign %; for example, 25% means 25 out of every 100.
  • rateA ratio that compares two quantities measured in different units, such as kilometres per hour or litres per minute.

This word in other fields

The same English word can have a different meaning in another field:

More terms: Word Problems

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