How is a ratio expressed?

A ratio is expressed as a relationship between two quantities that indicates how many times one value contains or is contained within the other. This can effectively be represented in two common ways: as a fraction, where the first number is the numerator and the second is the denominator, or with a colon, which visually separates the two values.

For instance, if we have two numbers, 3 and 4, the ratio can be written as 3/4 (as a fraction) or 3:4 (with a colon). Both forms convey the same relationship, making them interchangeable depending on the context in which the ratio is being used.

In contrast, expressing a ratio as only a decimal would limit its representation and omit the comparative aspect that a ratio typically highlights. Similarly, presenting it only as a percentage would convert the ratio into a different context of representation rather than maintain the straightforward comparison of quantities. Finally, while an equation may encapsulate ratios, it is not a standard or primary method for expressing them in their basic mathematical form. Thus, the most accurate and comprehensive ways to express a ratio are through a fraction or a colon.