Express Ratio in the Form 1:n

In this activity, we will simplify ratio where one of the parts of the ratio will have a value of 1.

For example, 

We call this type of simplifying 1:n (where n can be any number)

The reason we do this is because maps and scale drawings are usually given as a ratio of 1: another value.

It is a great way to compare data too!

You may have seen the scale on a map written as: 

A typical question might look like this:

Example

Express 2:3 in the form 1:n

Answer

In this case, the left-hand side needs to be 1

As it is currently 2, we need to divide by 2 to make that 1

We must then do the same to the right-hand side. 

Therefore, we write the answer as 1:1.5

Don't worry that you have a decimal number in the ratio - this often happens!

Let's have a go at some questions now.

You will need a calculator!