Ratio

Ratio (rā"shi*o o rā"sho) , noun

[Latin, from reri, ratus, to reckon, believe, think, judge. See Reason.]

(Mathematics) The relation which one quantity or magnitude has to another of the same kind. It is expressed by the quotient of the division of the first by the second; thus, the ratio of 3 to 6 is expressed by f or ½; of a to b by a/b; or (less commonly) the second term is made the dividend; as, a:b = b/a.

Hence, fixed relation of number, quantity, or degree; rate; proportion; as, the ratio of representation in Congress.

Collocations (2)

Compound ratio or Duplicate ratio or Inverse ratio , See under Compound, Duplicate, etc.

Ratio of a geometrical progression , the constant quantity by which each term is multiplied to produce the succeeding one.