UGC NET Questions (Paper – 1)

A ratio is defined as the comparison of two quantities of the same kind by division. For example, if there are 3 boys and 5 girls, the ratio of boys to girls is 3:5, which represents 3 divided by 5. Ratios are fundamental in many aptitude topics such as proportion, mixtures and scaling. Hence, the phrase "comparison of two quantities by division" is the textbook definition of ratio.

Option A:
Ratio is correct because it explicitly involves dividing one quantity by another to express their relative size. This form can be written as a/b, a:b or "a to b," all representing a comparative measure. In UGC NET mathematical aptitude questions, understanding ratios is essential for solving problems on partnerships, mixtures and map scales. Therefore, this option precisely fits the description.

Option B:
A fraction is a representation of part of a whole, usually written as a/b, but it does not necessarily compare two separate quantities of the same kind. While ratios can be expressed in fractional form, the context of comparison of two distinct quantities is more specific to ratios. Thus, fraction is not the most accurate term for the definition given.

Option C:
Percentage expresses a quantity per hundred, such as 25% meaning 25 out of 100. It is a special way of writing fractions or ratios with a fixed denominator of 100. The stem, however, speaks more generally about comparison by division without specifying any base, so percentage is too narrow and not the exact term required.

Option D:
Proportion is a statement that two ratios are equal, such as 2:3 = 4:6. It builds upon the idea of ratio but involves an additional equality relation. Since the question is asking just for the basic comparison by division, proportion goes one step beyond and is therefore not correct.