If X:y = 4/3 : 5/2 And Y:z = 15/4 : 10/3 , Find X:y:z In The Simplest Form.
Understanding the Problem
In this article, we will explore how to simplify ratios given in the form of fractions. We will use the given ratios x:y = 4/3 : 5/2 and y:z = 15/4 : 10/3 to find the simplest form of x:y:z.
What are Ratios?
A ratio is a comparison of two or more numbers. It is a way of expressing the relationship between two or more quantities. Ratios can be expressed as fractions, decimals, or percentages.
Simplifying Ratios
To simplify a ratio, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the two numbers in the ratio. The GCD is the largest number that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder.
Finding the GCD
To find the GCD of two numbers, we can use the Euclidean algorithm. The Euclidean algorithm is a method for finding the GCD of two numbers by repeatedly dividing the larger number by the smaller number and taking the remainder.
Example
Let's find the GCD of 4 and 3.
- Divide 4 by 3: 4 = 1 × 3 + 1
- Divide 3 by 1: 3 = 3 × 1 + 0
The remainder is 0, so the GCD of 4 and 3 is 1.
Simplifying the Ratios
Now that we have found the GCD of 4 and 3, we can simplify the ratios.
x:y = 4/3 : 5/2
To simplify this ratio, we need to find the GCD of 4 and 3, and the GCD of 5 and 2.
The GCD of 4 and 3 is 1. The GCD of 5 and 2 is 1.
Since the GCD of both ratios is 1, we can simplify the ratio by dividing both numbers by 1.
x:y = 4/3 : 5/2 = 4/1 : 5/1 = 4:5
y:z = 15/4 : 10/3
To simplify this ratio, we need to find the GCD of 15 and 4, and the GCD of 10 and 3.
The GCD of 15 and 4 is 1. The GCD of 10 and 3 is 1.
Since the GCD of both ratios is 1, we can simplify the ratio by dividing both numbers by 1.
y:z = 15/4 : 10/3 = 15/1 : 10/1 = 15:10
Combining the Ratios
Now that we have simplified both ratios, we can combine them to find the simplest form of x:y:z.
x:y:z = 4:5 : 15:10
To combine these ratios, we need to find the GCD of 4 and 15, and the GCD of 5 and 10.
The GCD of 4 and 15 is 1. The GCD of 5 and 10 is 5.
Since the GCD of both ratios is 5, we can combine the ratios by dividing both numbers by 5.
x:y:z = 4/5 : 5/5 : 15/5 : 10/5
x:y:z = 4/5 : 1 : 3 : 2
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned how to simplify ratios given in the form of fractions. We have used the given ratios x:y = 4/3 : 5/2 and y:z = 15/4 : 10/3 to find the simplest form of x:y:z. We have found that x:y:z = 4/5 : 1 : 3 : 2.
Key Takeaways
- A ratio is a comparison of two or more numbers.
- To simplify a ratio, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the two numbers in the ratio.
- The GCD is the largest number that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder.
- We can use the Euclidean algorithm to find the GCD of two numbers.
- We can simplify a ratio by dividing both numbers by the GCD.
- We can combine two or more ratios by finding the GCD of the two ratios and dividing both numbers by the GCD.
Practice Problems
- Simplify the ratio x:y = 6/8 : 9/12.
- Simplify the ratio y:z = 12/8 : 15/20.
- Combine the ratios x:y = 3/4 : 5/6 and y:z = 10/12 : 15/20.
Answer Key
- x:y = 3/4 : 9/12 = 3:9
- y:z = 12/8 : 15/20 = 3:5
- x:y:z = 3/4 : 5/6 : 10/12 : 15/20 = 3:5 : 5:3
Frequently Asked Questions: Simplifying Ratios =====================================================
Q: What is a ratio?
A: A ratio is a comparison of two or more numbers. It is a way of expressing the relationship between two or more quantities. Ratios can be expressed as fractions, decimals, or percentages.
Q: Why do we need to simplify ratios?
A: We need to simplify ratios to make them easier to work with. Simplifying ratios helps us to:
- Compare two or more quantities more easily
- Perform calculations more efficiently
- Express the relationship between two or more quantities more clearly
Q: How do we simplify a ratio?
A: To simplify a ratio, we need to find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the two numbers in the ratio. The GCD is the largest number that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder.
Q: What is the Euclidean algorithm?
A: The Euclidean algorithm is a method for finding the GCD of two numbers by repeatedly dividing the larger number by the smaller number and taking the remainder.
Q: How do we use the Euclidean algorithm to find the GCD?
A: To use the Euclidean algorithm, we follow these steps:
- Divide the larger number by the smaller number.
- Take the remainder.
- Divide the smaller number by the remainder.
- Take the remainder.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the remainder is 0.
- The last non-zero remainder is the GCD.
Q: Can we simplify a ratio by dividing both numbers by a number other than the GCD?
A: No, we cannot simplify a ratio by dividing both numbers by a number other than the GCD. Dividing both numbers by a number other than the GCD will not result in a simplified ratio.
Q: How do we combine two or more ratios?
A: To combine two or more ratios, we need to find the GCD of the two ratios and divide both numbers by the GCD.
Q: What is the simplest form of a ratio?
A: The simplest form of a ratio is a ratio that has been simplified by dividing both numbers by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
Q: Can we simplify a ratio with a variable?
A: Yes, we can simplify a ratio with a variable. To simplify a ratio with a variable, we need to find the GCD of the variable and the other number in the ratio.
Q: How do we simplify a ratio with a variable?
A: To simplify a ratio with a variable, we follow these steps:
- Find the GCD of the variable and the other number in the ratio.
- Divide both numbers by the GCD.
Q: Can we simplify a ratio with a negative number?
A: Yes, we can simplify a ratio with a negative number. To simplify a ratio with a negative number, we need to find the GCD of the negative number and the other number in the ratio.
Q: How do we simplify a ratio with a negative number?
A: To simplify a ratio with a negative number, we follow these steps:
- Find the GCD of the negative number and the other number in the ratio.
- Divide both numbers by the GCD.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying ratios?
A: Some common mistakes to avoid when simplifying ratios include:
- Dividing both numbers by a number other than the GCD
- Not finding the GCD of the two numbers in the ratio
- Not dividing both numbers by the GCD
- Simplifying a ratio with a variable or a negative number incorrectly
Q: How do we check if a ratio is simplified?
A: To check if a ratio is simplified, we need to make sure that the GCD of the two numbers in the ratio is 1. If the GCD is 1, then the ratio is simplified.