4.2 Decrease 72 in the ratio \( 1: 3 \)

To decrease 72 in the ratio of \(1:3\), you first need to determine the total parts in the ratio, which is \(1 + 3 = 4\) parts. Next, take \(1/4\) of 72 to find the amount to subtract: \(72 \div 4 = 18\). Now, subtract this amount from 72: \(72 - 18 = 54\). Therefore, when you decrease 72 in the ratio \(1:3\), you end up with 54! Now, why are ratios so useful? They help in every aspect of life! Whether you’re cooking, making crafts, or even dividing a pizza among friends, understanding ratios ensures everyone gets their fair share based on their preferences or needs. It’s like being a math magician when it comes to sharing things out evenly! Also, if you want to dive deeper into how ratios impact real-world scenarios, check out math-focused resources or educational websites that explore practical applications. Exploring topics like proportions and scaling can really enhance your mathematical toolkit and make you a whiz at dealing with everyday problems!