To express a number as a ratio of integers, follow these simple steps:
- Understand the Definition: A ratio of integers is a relationship between two numbers (integers) that shows how many times the first number contains the second. In mathematical terms, a ratio can be expressed as a/b, where a and b are integers.
- Identify the Number: Determine the number you want to express as a ratio. This could be a whole number, fraction, or decimal.
- Convert to Fraction: If the number is a whole number, write it as a fraction by placing it over 1. For example, the number 5 can be expressed as 5/1. If it’s a decimal, convert it to a fraction. For example, 0.75 can be expressed as 75/100, which simplifies to 3/4.
- Simplify if Necessary: Make sure the fraction is in its simplest form, meaning the numerator and denominator share no common factors other than 1. You can simplify by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
- State the Ratio: Once simplified, you can express the number as a ratio of two integers. For example, if you simplified 5/10, your ratio would be 1/2.
In summary, expressing a number as a ratio of integers involves identifying the number, converting it to a fraction, and simplifying it if needed. This way, any number can be represented in a form that relates it to two integers.