This study notes covers Worked Example 1: Basic Simplification 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 4 of 8 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Worked Example 1: Basic Simplification
Simplify the ratio 12:18
Step 1 Find common factors
Both 12 and 18 are divisible by 2, 3, and 6
The HCF of 12 and 18 is 6
Step 2 Divide both by the HCF (6)
12 ÷ 6 = 2
18 ÷ 6 = 3
Final Write simplified ratio
12:18 = 2:3
Practice questions for Ratio Problems
A recipe uses flour and sugar in the ratio 5:2. What fraction of the mixture is flour?
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.