Question

Express the following ratio in the simplest form: $1\frac{1}{2}:3\frac{1}{2}$.

Answer 1

Step 1: Convert the mixed fraction into improper fraction

$1\frac{1}{2}=\frac{3}{2}$

$3\frac{1}{2}=\frac{7}{2}$

Step 2: Multiply both terms by 2

Here Lowest Common Factor of denominators of both terms is 2.

$\Rightarrow \frac{3}{2}\times 2:\frac{7}{2}\times 2=3:7$

Hence, the simplest form of $1\frac{1}{2}:3\frac{1}{2}$ is $3:7$.