Ratio & ProportionKey Facts

Key Rules for Simplifying

Part of Ratio Problems · GCSE GCSE Mathematics revision

This key facts covers Key Rules for Simplifying within Ratio Problems for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Ratio Problems in Ratio & Proportion for GCSE Mathematics with 14 exam-style questions and 3 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 2 of 8 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 2 of 8

Practice

14 questions

Recall

3 flashcards

Key Rules for Simplifying

1️⃣ Find the HCF (Highest Common Factor) of all parts

2️⃣ Divide each part by the HCF

⚠️ Ratios must be in the SAME UNITS before simplifying

✓ Keep going until you can't simplify any further

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Ratio Problems. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

What Is a Ratio?Method: Simplifying Step by Step Worked Example 1: Basic Simplification Worked Example 2: Different Units

Practice Questions for Ratio Problems

A recipe uses flour and sugar in the ratio 5:2. What fraction of the mixture is flour?

A. 5/2
B. 5/7
C. 2/5
D. 2/7

1 markfoundation

The ratio of apples to oranges in a basket is 2:3. Sarah says "2/3 of the fruits are apples." Explain why Sarah is wrong.

2 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

Simplifying Ratios

Divide ALL parts by their Highest Common Factor (HCF). Keep going until you can't simplify further.

Unit Rule

ALWAYS convert to the SAME units before simplifying (e.g., all in pence, all in minutes)

14 questions on Ratio Problems — practise free

Instant marking, adaptive difficulty, and 3 spaced repetition flashcards. Free until your GCSEs.

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What Is a Ratio?

Method: Simplifying Step by Step