If the ratio consists of only two values, it can be represented as a fraction, in particular as a decimal fraction. For example, older televisions have a 4:3 aspect ratio, which means that the width is 4/3 of the height (this can also be expressed as 1.33:1 or just 1.33 rounded to two decimal places). More recent widescreen TVs have a 16:9 aspect ratio, or 1.78 rounded to two decimal places. One of the popular widescreen movie formats is 2.35:1 or simply 2.35. Representing ratios as decimal fractions simplifies their comparison. When comparing 1.33, 1.78 and 2.35, it is obvious which format offers wider image. Such a comparison works only when values being compared are consistent, like always expressing width in relation to height.
if The rAtio conSiSts Of oNly two valUEs, it Can be rePreseNted aS a fraCTioN, in pArtIcULaR as A dEciMal frActiON. FOr ExaMPle, Older televIsiOnS have a 4:3 asPeCT ratio, WhiCh MeanS That The widTh iS 4/3 of THe HEight (this cAN ALsO Be eXpreSsed as 1.33:1 or juSt 1.33 rOunded to two DeCiMAl plAces). moRe rEceNt WIDescreEn tvs have a 16:9 asPeCt rATio, or 1.78 RounDed tO tWO deCimaL placeS. one of thE poPUlar WidesCReen Movie formatS IS 2.35:1 or SImpLy 2.35. representinG RAtiOs as dECimal frACtiOns sImPLifies thEir compArIsON. wheN CoMparinG 1.33, 1.78 and 2.35, it is obvious WhiCh formAt oFFErs wider image. suCh A COmpariSOn works Only whEn vaLuEs being cOmpArEd arE consIstent, LikE alwAys ExPresSIng WidtH iN rELAtiOn to heIghT.