How can you simplify a ratio?

Find a common number that you can divide both by, just like simplifying fractions. Say you have a ratio of 2:4. Both of those numbers are divisible by two, so if you divide both by two you get 1:2. Generally you want to have both numbers as whole numbers (i.e. no fractions or decimals)

Find the GCF of the numbers and divide them both by it. If the GCF is 1, the ratio is in its simplest form. If the ratio is between two decimals, multiply them by whatever power of ten will eliminate the decimals. Then proceed with the GCF.