What are the two different ways that a ratio may be expressed?

A ratio expresses the relationship between two quantities, showcasing how much of one number exists compared to another. One common way to represent a ratio is as a fraction, where the first number is the numerator and the second number is the denominator. For example, a ratio of 2 to 3 can be expressed mathematically as 2/3.

Additionally, ratios can also be expressed using a colon between the two numbers, such as 2:3. This format clearly delineates the two quantities being compared, making it straightforward and easy to interpret.

Both of these representations, as a fraction and using a colon, effectively communicate the same relationship between the numbers involved, thus making them the correct methods to express a ratio. The alternative options focus on formats that do not represent the fundamental characteristics of ratios themselves.