The general formula for carbohydrates is (CH₂O)n, where n is a variable that represents the number of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen units in the molecule.

This means that the ratio of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms in carbohydrates is 1:2:1.

For example:

* Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆): Has a ratio of 6:12:6, which simplifies to 1:2:1.

* Fructose (C₆H₁₂O₆): Also has a ratio of 6:12:6, simplifying to 1:2:1.

This 1:2:1 ratio holds true for all carbohydrates, regardless of their specific structure or complexity.