Ratios: meaning, definitions and examples

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ratios

[ˈreɪʃiəʊs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

financial analysis

Ratios are mathematical expressions that indicate the relationship between two or more variables. They are commonly used to assess the financial health and performance of a company.

Synonyms

fractions, percentages, proportions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ratios	There seems to be a repetition. 'Ratios' is best for comparing quantities. The gear ratio of this bicycle is 4:1. She adjusted the ratio to make the solution less concentrated.
proportions	Use 'proportions' when indicating the relationship of parts to the whole, often to describe how quantities are distributed. Proportions can be used in statistics, design, and cooking. The proportion of women in the workforce has increased. In this painting, the proportions of the figures are very balanced.
percentages	Use 'percentages' when expressing a proportion per hundred. Percentages are commonly used in statistics, finance, and data analysis to convey increases, decreases, or distribution. The interest rate is 5%. 70% of the students passed the exam.
fractions	Use 'fractions' when referring to parts of a whole number. They are often used in mathematics and everyday situations where you need to divide something into equal parts. She ate 1/4 of the cake. The fraction 3/5 represents three parts out of a total of five parts.

Examples of usage

Profit margin and debt-to-equity ratio are common financial ratios used by investors.
Analyzing ratios helps in comparing different companies within the same industry.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

cooking

In cooking, ratios refer to the proportion of ingredients used in a recipe. They help in maintaining consistency and achieving desired results.

Synonyms

measurements, percentages, proportions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ratios	Used to compare two quantities showing the relative size of one compared to the other. The ratio of students to teachers in the school is 20:1 The mix should be in a 3:1 ratio of sugar to salt
proportions	Used to describe the relative size or scale of elements within a whole, often in art, design, and statistical data. The proportion of adults to children in the park is about 3:1 Ensuring the correct proportions of ingredients is key to the recipe
measurements	Used to describe the size, length, or amount of something, typically using standard units. The measurements of the room are 5 meters by 6 meters Accurate measurements are crucial for successful baking
percentages	Used to describe a proportion in terms of parts per hundred; often used in statistical data and finance. 50% of the class passed the exam The company aims for a 20% increase in sales this year

Examples of usage

The ideal ratio of flour to water in bread making is crucial for the texture of the final product.
Following the correct ratio of oil to vinegar is essential for a balanced salad dressing.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'ratio' comes from Latin, where it means 'reason' or 'calculation', highlighting its use in comparisons.
In mathematics, ratios have been used since ancient times; Greeks were among the first to systematically study relationships between quantities.

Mathematics

Ratios are fundamental in geometry, helping to understand proportions in shapes and sizes.
Similar triangles are based on the concept of ratios; the sides of these triangles maintain the same ratios regardless of their size.
Ratios can be expressed in different forms, including fractions, decimals, and percentages to make calculations clearer.

Culinary Arts

Professional chefs rely on ratios for recipes to ensure consistent flavors and textures, such as 3:1 for water to rice.
Baking often requires precise ratios; too much or too little can affect the outcome of cakes and pastries.

Economics

In finance, ratios such as debt-to-equity and profit margins are crucial for assessing a company's stability and performance.
Ratios help investors compare companies within the same industry, aiding in more informed financial decisions.

Psychology

Research in behavioral studies often uses ratios to analyze relationships between variables, like the ratio of positive to negative interactions affecting group dynamics.
The ratio effect can influence decision-making; people may prefer options that maintain a desirable ratio of rewards to losses.

Translations

Translations of the word "ratios" in other languages:

🇵🇹 proporções

🇮🇳 अनुपात

🇩🇪 Verhältnisse

Anteile
Quoten

🇮🇩 rasio

🇺🇦 співвідношення

🇵🇱 proporcje

🇯🇵 比率

🇫🇷 ratios

🇪🇸 proporciones

🇹🇷 oranlar

🇰🇷 비율

🇸🇦 نسب

🇨🇿 poměry

🇸🇰 pomer

🇨🇳 比率

🇸🇮 razmerja

🇮🇸 hlutföll

🇰🇿 қатынастар

🇬🇪 წილები

🇦🇿 nisbətlər

🇲🇽 proporciones

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,253, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4250 regret
4251 cheap
4252 accommodation
4253 ratios
4254 dam
4255 elaborate
4256 encouraging
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