Justin and Desiree each wrote a ratio comparing the numbers of students and tables in their classroom. There are 6 tables in the room with 4 students at each table. Justin states that the ratio is 4:1. Desiree insists the ratio is 24:6.They both ask Luke to tell them which ratio is correct. Which statement below would be the best answer for Luke?

There are 6 tables with 4 students at each table, so there are 6 × 4 = 24 students total. Desiree’s ratio, 24:6, compares the total students to the total tables. Justin’s 4:1 compares students to tables for one table, and it is equivalent to 24:6 because both ratios simplify to 4:1. So both ratios correctly describe the relationship in different ways.

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