Comparing Ratios

In comparing ratios we will learn how to arrange the ratios.  

How to Compare Ratios?

To compare two ratios, follow these steps:

Step I: Make the second term of both the ratios equal.

For this, determine the LCM of the second terms of the ratios. Divide the LCM by the second term of each ratio. Multiply the numerator and the denominator of each ratio by the quotient.

Step II: Compare the first terms (numerators) of the new ratios.


Solved examples on comparing ratios:

1. Which of the following ratios is grater?

Compare the ratios 3 : 4 and 1 : 2. 

LCM of the second terms, i.e., 4 and 2 = 4

Now, dividing the LCM by the second term of each ratio, we get 4 ÷ 4 = 1, and 4 ÷ 2 = 2

Therefore, \(\frac{3}{4}\) = \(\frac{3 * 1}{4 * 1}\) = \(\frac{3}{4}\)

\(\frac{1}{2}\) = \(\frac{1 * 2}{2 * 2}\) = \(\frac{2}{4}\)

As 3 > 2, \(\frac{3}{4}\) > \(\frac{2}{4}\), i.e., 3 : 4 > 1 : 2

Therefore the ratio 3:4 is greater than the ratio 1:2 according to the ratio comparison rules.



2. Which of the following ratios is grater?

Compare the ratios 3 : 5 and 2 : 11.

LCM of the second terms, i.e., 5 and 11 = 55

Now, dividing the LCM by the second term of each ratio, we get 55 ÷ 5 = 11, and 55 ÷ 11 = 5

Therefore, \(\frac{3}{5}\) = \(\frac{3 * 11}{5 * 11}\) = \(\frac{33}{55}\)

\(\frac{2}{11}\) = \(\frac{2 * 5}{11 * 5}\) = \(\frac{10}{55}\)

As 33 > 10, \(\frac{3}{5}\) > \(\frac{2}{11}\), i.e., 3 : 5 > 2 : 11.

Therefore the ratio 3 : 5 is greater than the ratio 2 : 11 according to the ratio comparison rules.

● Ratio and proportion










10th Grade Math

From Comparing Ratios to HOME




Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.



Share this page: What’s this?

Recent Articles

  1. Perimeter of a Square | How to Find the Perimeter of Square? |Examples

    Apr 25, 24 05:34 PM

    Perimeter of a Square
    We will discuss here how to find the perimeter of a square. Perimeter of a square is the total length (distance) of the boundary of a square. We know that all the sides of a square are equal. Perimete…

    Read More

  2. Perimeter of a Triangle | Perimeter of a Triangle Formula | Examples

    Apr 25, 24 05:13 PM

    Perimeter of a Triangle
    We will discuss here how to find the perimeter of a triangle. We know perimeter of a triangle is the total length (distance) of the boundary of a triangle. Perimeter of a triangle is the sum of length…

    Read More

  3. Perimeter of a Rectangle | How to Find the Perimeter of a Rectangle?

    Apr 25, 24 03:45 PM

    Perimeter of a Rectangle
    We will discuss here how to find the perimeter of a rectangle. We know perimeter of a rectangle is the total length (distance) of the boundary of a rectangle. ABCD is a rectangle. We know that the opp…

    Read More

  4. Dividing 3-Digit by 1-Digit Number | Long Division |Worksheet Answer

    Apr 24, 24 03:46 PM

    Dividing 3-Digit by 1-Digit Number
    Dividing 3-Digit by 1-Digit Numbers are discussed here step-by-step. How to divide 3-digit numbers by single-digit numbers? Let us follow the examples to learn to divide 3-digit number by one-digit nu…

    Read More

  5. Symmetrical Shapes | One, Two, Three, Four & Many-line Symmetry

    Apr 24, 24 03:45 PM

    Symmetrical Figures
    Symmetrical shapes are discussed here in this topic. Any object or shape which can be cut in two equal halves in such a way that both the parts are exactly the same is called symmetrical. The line whi…

    Read More