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Ratio & ProportionDeep Dive

Method: Simplifying Step by Step

Part of Ratio Problems — GCSE Mathematics

This deep dive covers Method: Simplifying Step by Step 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 3 of 7 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 3 of 7

Practice

14 questions

Recall

3 flashcards

Method: Simplifying Step by Step

1 Check units are the same (convert if needed)
2 Find a common factor (start with small numbers: 2, 3, 5...)
3 Divide ALL parts by that factor
4 Repeat until fully simplified

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.

Key Rules for SimplifyingWorked Example 1: Basic SimplificationWhat Is a Ratio?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

Unit Rule
ALWAYS convert to the SAME units before simplifying (e.g., all in pence, all in minutes)
Simplifying Ratios
Divide ALL parts by their Highest Common Factor (HCF). Keep going until you can't simplify further.

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Key Rules for Simplifying

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Worked Example 1: Basic Simplification