Simplifying Ratios

Simplifying a ratio works just like simplifying a fraction. You find the highest common factor of both parts and divide:

A ratio is in its simplest form when both numbers share no common factor other than 1.

The bar model below shows how the ratio looks before and after simplifying. The proportions stay the same, even though the numbers change.

Try entering $4 : 6$, then $2 : 3$. Notice the bar looks identical both times. That is because the ratios are equivalent.

Watch it work

Question: Simplify $24 : 36$.

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