Gallery Problems

Screen Challenge

Work Time

Screen Challenge

An aspect ratio compares width to height.

The following aspect ratios are used to describe the shape of different TV screens.

       4:3       16 : 9       3:2

Movie screens have different formats. The two most common aspect ratios are 2.39:1 and 1.85:1. 

  1. Which TV aspect ratio gives a rectangle that is most like a square?

  2. Write all three TV aspect ratios in the format 1 : __

  3. The golden ratio is 1:0.6180… . This ratio is considered to create the most pleasing rectangle to the eye. Which of the three TV aspect ratios comes closest to the golden ratio?

  4. The aspect ratio of movie screens used to be expressed in terms of the number of sprocket holes of the film. (Sprockets are the wheels that move the film.) Today, the number of pixels is used. Express the aspect ratio in lowest terms for a screen that is 640 pixels by 480 pixels (assuming square pixels).

  5. Blu-ray discs commonly are 1,920 pixels by 800 pixels. Express this aspect ratio in lowest terms.