Ratios and proportions, step by step
A ratio compares two quantities, and proportional reasoning is the grade-six skill that grows out of it.
The question
2 : 6 = 1 : 3
2 : 6
2 : 6both ÷ 2
2 : 6=1 : 3
- A ratio simplifies the same way a fraction does — divide BOTH sides by the same number, and it stays the same ratio.
- The biggest number that goes into both 2 and 6 is 2.
- 2 ÷ 2 = 1 and 6 ÷ 2 = 3, so 2 : 6 is 1 : 3. Same ratio, smaller numbers — nothing has changed except how it is written.
How it works.
- 01
A ratio simplifies the same way a fraction does — divide BOTH sides by the same number, and it stays the same ratio.
- 02
The biggest number that goes into both 2 and 6 is 2.
- 03
2 ÷ 2 = 1 and 6 ÷ 2 = 3, so 2 : 6 is 1 : 3. Same ratio, smaller numbers — nothing has changed except how it is written.