Equivalent fractions look different but are the same amount. Half a pizza is the same as two quarters or four eighths: 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8.
To make an equivalent fraction, multiply the top and the bottom by the same number. 1/3 × 2/2 = 2/6. You must change both numbers in the same way, or the fraction changes size. Fraction strips placed under each other show this clearly.
Worked example
2/3 = ☐/6. What number goes in the box?
- The denominator went from 3 to 6, so it was multiplied by 2.
- Multiply the numerator by 2 too: 2 × 2 = 4.
Answer:4
Key words
- equivalent
- worth the same
- fraction strip
- a bar split into equal parts
- simplify
- write with smaller numbers
Practise this
New questions every time.
Common Core-referenced: 3.NF.A.3b