To work out a ratio, you only need two brain cells and a sense of adventure. Step one: figure out how many total parts you have. If you have 2 cats and 3 dogs, that’s 5 total animals. You’re basically a census taker for pets.
Step two: compare the parts to the whole. The ratio of cats to total animals is 2:5. Or, if you’re feeling sassy, the ratio of dogs to cats is 3:2. It’s like choosing which side of the family you prefer at Thanksgiving—easier, and with less yelling.
Pro tip: ratios don’t care about units. You can compare apples to oranges, but that’s still a weird salad. A ratio of 1:1 of socks to lost socks is a mathematical impossibility—laundry science confirms this.
How to Simplify Ratios - Maths with Mum
