An extended ratio is written in the form a:b:c (if comparing three quantities) or a:b:c:d (if comparing four quantities). If comparing many quantities, just keep adding them on, separating each quantity with a colon. An extended ratio compares more than two quantities and cannot be expressed as a single fraction.
Which equation equates two ratios?
An equation that represents two ratios as equal is called a proportion. For instance, if the ratio a/b is equal to the ratio c/d, then the following proportion can be written : a : b = c : d
What is the difference between an extended ratio and a proportion?
An extended ratio cannot be expressed as a single fraction and compares more than two quantities. A proportion, on the other hand, is a statement that two ratios are equal. It is read as 'a is to b, as c is to d'. The first and last terms (a and d) are called the extremes, and the middle terms (b and c) are called the means.
