1. What is a 3-Ratio Calculator?

Definition: This calculator simplifies three numbers into their simplest ratio form by dividing each by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

Purpose: It helps convert complex measurements or quantities into simplified, comparable ratios for analysis, mixing, or formulation purposes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( a, b, c \) — The three values to be simplified
• \( GCD \) — Greatest Common Divisor of a, b, and c

Explanation: The calculator finds the largest number that divides all three inputs exactly, then divides each input by this GCD to get the simplified ratio.

3. Importance of Ratio Simplification

Details: Simplified ratios make it easier to understand proportional relationships, mix ingredients correctly, and compare different quantities.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the three values you want to simplify into a ratio. All values must be ≥ 0, with at least one > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if one of my values is zero?
A: The calculator will still work, but the ratio will show the relative proportions of the non-zero values.

Q2: Can I use decimal numbers?
A: Yes, the calculator handles decimal values, though ratios are typically expressed with whole numbers.

Q3: How is this different from a percentage?
A: Ratios show relative proportions, while percentages show parts per hundred. Ratios are often more useful for mixing.

Q4: What fields use 3-ratio calculations?
A: Common in chemistry (mixing compounds), construction (concrete mixes), cooking (recipes), and finance (financial ratios).

Q5: Can I simplify more than three numbers?
A: This calculator handles three numbers, but the same GCD principle applies to any number of values.