Ratio & ProportionStudy Notes

Worked Example 1: Basic Simplification

Part of Ratio ProblemsGCSE Mathematics

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 7 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 4 of 7

Practice

14 questions

Recall

3 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

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.

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)

Want to test your knowledge?

PrepWise has 14 exam-style questions and 3 flashcards for Ratio Problems — with adaptive difficulty and instant feedback.

Join Alpha