Are these ratios equivalent?

86 medium baskets : 94 small baskets

76 medium baskets : 54 small baskets

1 answer

To determine if the ratios \( 86:94 \) and \( 76:54 \) are equivalent, we can simplify both ratios and compare them.

  1. Simplifying the first ratio \( 86:94 \):

    • Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 86 and 94.
    • The GCD of 86 and 94 is 2.
    • Divide both numbers by their GCD: \[ \frac{86}{2} = 43, \quad \frac{94}{2} = 47 \]
    • Therefore, \( 86:94 = 43:47 \).
  2. Simplifying the second ratio \( 76:54 \):

    • Find the GCD of 76 and 54.
    • The GCD of 76 and 54 is 2.
    • Divide both numbers by their GCD: \[ \frac{76}{2} = 38, \quad \frac{54}{2} = 27 \]
    • Therefore, \( 76:54 = 38:27 \).

Now, we can compare the simplified ratios \( 43:47 \) and \( 38:27 \).

  • To check if \( 43:47 \) and \( 38:27 \) are equivalent, we can cross-multiply:
    • \( 43 \times 27 = 1161 \)
    • \( 38 \times 47 = 1786 \)

Since \( 1161 \neq 1786 \), the ratios \( 86:94 \) and \( 76:54 \) are not equivalent.