Question

If the ratio 4 : 8 expressed in its simplest form is given by x : y, what is the value of x+y ?

• A. 4
• B. 12
• C. 3
• D. 1

Answer 1

The correct option is C 3

In the simplest form, the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
We know, 4 = $4\times 1$ and
8 = $4\times 2$
We can write 4 : 8 as $\frac{4}{8}$
$\therefore$ $\frac{4}{8}$ = $\frac{(4\times 1)}{(4\times 2)}$ $\Rightarrow$ $\frac{1}{2}$

$\because$ 1 and 2 have no other common factors except 1, the simplest form of 4 : 8 is 1 : 2
Comparing 1 : 2 with x : y, we get
x = 1
y = 2
$\therefore$ x + y = 1 + 2 = 3