there are 3 red paper clips, 5 yellow paper clips, and 6 silver paper clips in a jar. what is the ratio of the total number of paper clips to the red paper clips A.14:3B.11:3C.3:14D.3:11

Combine all paper clip colors together (3 red+ 5 yellow+ 6 silver) to get 14 paper clips in all.
 The number of red clips are 3.
Since it is asking for ratio of total paper clips to red paperclips, the number of total paperclips goes in the ratio goes first and red paperclips second. 14:3.
This ratio cannot be simplified any further so A is the correct answer

Hope this helps!