Ra·ti·o n.
1. Math. 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
Note: ☞ Some writers consider ratio as the quotient itself, making ratio equivalent to a number.
The term ratio is also sometimes applied to the difference of two quantities as well as to their quotient, in which case the former is called arithmetical ratio, the latter, geometrical ratio. The name ratio is sometimes given to the rule of three in arithmetic. See under Rule.
2. Hence, fixed relation of number, quantity, or degree; rate; proportion; as, the ratio of representation in Congress.
Compound ratio, Duplicate ratio, Inverse ratio, etc. See under Compound, Duplicate, etc.
Ratio of a geometrical progression, the constant quantity by which each term is multiplied to produce the succeeding one.
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du·pli·cate a. Double; twofold.
Duplicate proportion or Duplicate ratio Math., the proportion or ratio of squares. Thus, in geometrical proportion, the first term to the third is said to be in a duplicate ratio of the first to the second, or as its square is to the square of the second. Thus, in 2, 4, 8, 16, the ratio of 2 to 8 is a duplicate of that of 2 to 4, or as the square of 2 is to the square of 4.
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