Question

Express the ratio in simplest form.

$\frac{12}{20}$

Short answer

$\frac{3}{5}$

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Given information.

The given ratio is

$\frac{12}{20}$

Step 2. Concept Used.

To write the fraction in simplest form, divide the numerator and denominator with the GCF (Greatest Common Factor).

Step 3. Now find the GCF.

Write the prime factors of numerator and denominator.

$\begin{array}{l}12=2\times 2\times 3\\ 20=2\times 2\times 5\end{array}$

Here GCF is $2\times 2=4$.

Step 4. Let’s divide the numerator and denominator with the GCF.

Here we will divide the numerator and denominator by 4.

$\begin{array}{c}\frac{12}{20}=\frac{\frac{12}{4}}{\frac{20}{4}}\\ =\frac{3}{5}\end{array}$

Therefore, the simplest form of the given ratio is$\frac{3}{5}$ .