The ratio "1:3" represents a relationship where one part is compared to three parts. This means that for every one unit of something, there are three units of another. For example, if you have 1 apple, you would have 3 oranges in this ratio. It is often used in various contexts, such as cooking, mixing solutions, or comparing quantities. In practical terms, if you were to mix paint in a 1:3 ratio, you would use one part of the first color and three parts of the second color. This helps achieve a specific shade or consistency, illustrating how ratios can guide proportions in everyday activities.