How to simplify a ratio
To simplify a ratio A:B, find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of A and B, then divide both by it. The GCD of 12 and 8 is 4, so 12:8 simplifies to 3:2. For ratios with three or more parts, find the GCD of all parts and divide each by it.
If either term contains a decimal, multiply all terms by the smallest power of 10 needed to clear the decimals, then find the GCD. For example, 1.5:2.5 becomes 15:25 after multiplying by 10, and the GCD of 15 and 25 is 5, giving 3:5.
Simplified = (A / GCD) : (B / GCD)
Divide each part of the ratio by the greatest common divisor of all parts.