Idea 4of 22Builds onPart to whole
Three ways to write a ratio
What are the ways to write a ratio?
Today you'll discover
- the word way: 3 to 2
- the colon way: 3 : 2
- what the terms of a ratio are
Think first3 orange and 2 blue: orange to blue, 3 : 2
Which of these says the same as 3 : 2?
Decide first, then press Next. Read the colon as a word.
3 orange circles and 2 blue squares, with the lines orange to blue equals 3 to 2 and, under it, 3 to 2, 3 colon 2, 3 orange for every 2 blue. Then 4 orange and 1 blue written the same three ways. The last step shows 5 orange and 2 blue.
See the whole ideathe big idea and the key word, in one place
The big idea
A ratio can be written 3 to 2 or 3 : 2; 3 and 2 are its terms.
Three ways3 to 2. 3 : 2. 3 orange for every 2 blue. All three say the same ratio.
Easy to get wrongThe colon is not a sign to work out. 3 : 2 does not make 1 or 5; it keeps both terms side by side.
Key word
- term of a ratio
- one of the numbers in a ratio: in 3 : 2 the terms are 3 and 2
Ready to use it?
- Write one ratio three ways.
- Name the terms of a ratio.