Simplify Ratio (Year 5)

Practise simplify ratio within Ratio & Proportion for Year 5, with worked examples and instant feedback.

The questions below are generated to match the National Curriculum for Year 5 and get harder as you progress from Rookie to Guru.

Worked examples

RookieRead and interpret directly.

In a class there are 12 boys and 8 girls. Write the ratio of boys to girls in its simplest form.

  • 12 : 8
  • 3 : 2
  • 2 : 3
  • 6 : 4

Answer: 3 : 2. Divide both sides by the highest common factor of 12 and 8, which is 4. 12 ÷ 4 = 3, 8 ÷ 4 = 2, so the ratio is 3 : 2.

ProCompare and infer.

Which is faster: 30 miles in 2 hours, or 50 miles in 3 hours?

  • 50 in 3 (≈16.7 mph) > 30 in 2 (15 mph).
  • Same.
  • 30 in 2.
  • Cannot tell.

Answer: 50 in 3 (≈16.7 mph) > 30 in 2 (15 mph).. Unit rate comparison.

GuruMulti-step reasoning.

Tom doubled 3:5 to get 6:10 and said the ratio is now bigger. Spot the issue.

  • Both ratios are equivalent — same relationship.
  • Right.
  • Bigger numbers.
  • Different.

Answer: Both ratios are equivalent — same relationship.. Scaling preserves ratio.

Related skills

Frequently asked questions

What is simplify ratio?
Practise simplify ratio within Ratio & Proportion for Year 5, with worked examples and instant feedback.
How can my child practise simplify ratio at home?
Work through the examples below, then start a free adaptive session. Northstar adjusts the difficulty automatically and tracks mastery over time.

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