What is a 'ratio' in mathematical terms?

A ratio is fundamentally a relationship between two numbers that indicates how many times one number contains another. It expresses the quantitative relationship between two values, showcasing the relative sizes of the two quantities. For instance, if there are 2 red balls and 3 blue balls, the ratio of red to blue balls can be expressed as 2:3. This means that for every 2 red balls, there are 3 blue balls, illustrating the comparative sizes of the two groups rather than conveying an absolute value.

While other concepts like mathematical equations, percentages, and fractions involve relationships between numbers as well, they serve different purposes. A mathematical equation equates two expressions, a percentage represents a part of a whole expressed per hundred, and a fraction denotes a division of a number into parts. In contrast, a ratio focuses specifically on comparing two numbers in a straightforward manner, highlighting their relationship directly. Thus, the definition that centers on the relationship between two numbers accurately captures the essence of a ratio in mathematics.