Year 4: Equivalent fractions
Part of the Year 4 fractions chapter. Chapter overview · whole chapter on one page · Download worksheet (PDF) · Answers (PDF)
Equivalent fractions
Equivalent fractions are fractions that look different but show the same amount. Look at these three bars. They are all the same length. The shaded part is the same in each, so 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8.
A fraction wall shows this clearly. Each row is the same length, cut into different numbers of equal bricks. Bricks that line up cover the same amount.
Why does it work? Cut every part of 1/2 into 2 smaller equal parts. Now the whole has 4 parts, not 2, and the 1 shaded part has become 2 shaded parts. So 1/2 = 2/4. We multiplied the top and the bottom by 2. Cut every part into 4 pieces and we get 4/8. We multiplied the top and the bottom by 4.
The rule: multiply the top and the bottom by the same number. You can also go the other way: divide the top and the bottom by the same number, if they both divide exactly (this joins parts together).
Some families to know. 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6 = 4/8 = 5/10 = 6/12. And 1/3 = 2/6 = 3/9 = 4/12. And fifths and tenths: 1/5 = 2/10, 2/5 = 4/10, 3/5 = 6/10, 4/5 = 8/10.
Key words. Equivalent means the same amount. A fraction wall is a chart of bricks that shows fractions side by side. Multiply the top and bottom by the same number to make an equivalent fraction.
Key ideas
- Equivalent fractions show the same amount: 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8.
- Multiply the top AND the bottom by the same number to get an equivalent fraction.
- You can divide the top AND the bottom by the same number too (if both divide exactly).
- Bricks that line up on a fraction wall are equivalent.
- Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom.
- Fifths and tenths: 1/5 = 2/10, 2/5 = 4/10, 3/5 = 6/10, 4/5 = 8/10, 1/2 = 5/10.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Look for bricks on the fraction wall that line up with 1/2.
- Find the 1/2 brick on the wall. It is the shaded brick in the second row.
- Look at the rows below it. Find the bricks that cover exactly the same length as 1/2.
- Count the shaded bricks in each row. In the quarters row 2 bricks line up. In the eighths row 4 bricks line up.
1 2 2 4 4 8
Check. Multiply: 1 × 2 = 2 and 2 × 2 = 4, so
Watch out. The bricks must line up exactly. Look at the edges.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 3 to 6. What do we multiply by?3 × 2 = 6
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 2 = 2
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 3 2 6
Check. Look at the bars: the shaded parts are the same length. ✓
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 4 to 8. What do we multiply by?4 × 2 = 8
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.3 × 2 = 6
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
3 4 6 8
Check. Look at the bars: the shaded parts are the same length. ✓
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the top numbers. We need to go from 3 to 6. What do we multiply by?3 × 2 = 6
- Do the same to the bottom number. We must multiply the top and the bottom by the same number to keep the fraction the same size.5 × 2 = 10
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
3 5 6 10
Check. Look at the bars: the shaded parts are the same length. ✓
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 8 to 2. What do we divide by?8 ÷ 4 = 2
- Do the same to the top number. We join 4 pieces into one bigger piece, so the top number is divided too. The fraction stays the same size.4 ÷ 4 = 1
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
4 8 1 2
Check. Look at the bars: the shaded parts are the same length. ✓
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Make the bottom numbers the same by multiplying the top and bottom of one fraction by the same number. Then compare.
- Look at the bottom numbers. The bigger bottom number is 8. We rewrite the other fraction so that its bottom number is 8 too.2 × 4 = 8
- Multiply the top number by the same number. Then the two fractions have the same bottom number and we can compare the tops.
1 2 4 8 - Compare. The tops are different, so the fractions show different amounts.
4 8 3 8 - Answer. No,
3 8 1 2
Check. Look at the bars:
Watch out. Do not add to the top and bottom. Multiply both by the same number.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Count how many tenths are in each fifth, then use the same idea for 3 fifths.
- Compare fifths and tenths. Each fifth is cut into 2 equal parts to make tenths. So 1 fifth = 2 tenths.
1 5 2 10 - Do the same for 3 fifths. Multiply the top and the bottom by 2.
3 5 3 × 2 5 × 2 6 10 - Write the answer.
6 10
Check. 3 fifths of the bar is the same length as 6 tenths. ✓
Watch out. To change fifths to tenths, multiply the top and bottom by 2.
Watch out
Multiply, do not add. To get an equivalent fraction, multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number. If you add 1 to the top and the bottom, you make a different fraction: 1/3 is not the same as 2/4.Exercise 5C Equivalent fractions
Non-calculatorKey words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 2 to 4. What do we multiply by?2 × 2 = 4
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 2 = 2
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 2 2 4
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 3 to 6. What do we multiply by?3 × 2 = 6
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 2 = 2
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 3 2 6
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 4 to 8. What do we multiply by?4 × 2 = 8
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.3 × 2 = 6
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
3 4 6 8
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 5 to 10. What do we multiply by?5 × 2 = 10
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.2 × 2 = 4
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
2 5 4 10
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 2 to 4. What do we multiply by?2 × 2 = 4
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 2 = 2
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 2 2 4
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 2 to 8. What do we multiply by?2 × 4 = 8
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 4 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 4 = 4
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 2 4 8
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 4 to 8. What do we multiply by?4 × 2 = 8
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 2 = 2
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 4 2 8
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 3 to 6. What do we multiply by?3 × 2 = 6
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 2 = 2
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 3 2 6
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 3 to 12. What do we multiply by?3 × 4 = 12
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 4 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 4 = 4
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 3 4 12
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 2 to 6. What do we multiply by?2 × 3 = 6
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 3 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 3 = 3
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 2 3 6
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 2 to 10. What do we multiply by?2 × 5 = 10
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 5 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 5 = 5
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 2 5 10
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 4 to 12. What do we multiply by?4 × 3 = 12
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 3 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 3 = 3
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 4 3 12
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 3 to 6. What do we multiply by?3 × 2 = 6
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.2 × 2 = 4
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
2 3 4 6
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 4 to 8. What do we multiply by?4 × 2 = 8
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.3 × 2 = 6
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
3 4 6 8
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 5 to 10. What do we multiply by?5 × 2 = 10
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 2 = 2
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 5 2 10
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 5 to 10. What do we multiply by?5 × 2 = 10
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.3 × 2 = 6
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
3 5 6 10
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the top numbers. We need to go from 1 to 3. What do we multiply by?1 × 3 = 3
- Do the same to the bottom number. We must multiply the top and the bottom by the same number to keep the fraction the same size.2 × 3 = 6
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 2 3 6
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the top numbers. We need to go from 1 to 4. What do we multiply by?1 × 4 = 4
- Do the same to the bottom number. We must multiply the top and the bottom by the same number to keep the fraction the same size.3 × 4 = 12
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 3 4 12
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the top numbers. We need to go from 2 to 4. What do we multiply by?2 × 2 = 4
- Do the same to the bottom number. We must multiply the top and the bottom by the same number to keep the fraction the same size.5 × 2 = 10
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
2 5 4 10
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the top numbers. We need to go from 3 to 9. What do we multiply by?3 × 3 = 9
- Do the same to the bottom number. We must multiply the top and the bottom by the same number to keep the fraction the same size.4 × 3 = 12
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
3 4 9 12
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the top numbers. We need to go from 2 to 8. What do we multiply by?2 × 4 = 8
- Do the same to the bottom number. We must multiply the top and the bottom by the same number to keep the fraction the same size.3 × 4 = 12
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
2 3 8 12
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the top numbers. We need to go from 3 to 12. What do we multiply by?3 × 4 = 12
- Do the same to the bottom number. We must multiply the top and the bottom by the same number to keep the fraction the same size.5 × 4 = 20
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
3 5 12 20
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 8 to 2. What do we divide by?8 ÷ 4 = 2
- Do the same to the top number. We join 4 pieces into one bigger piece, so the top number is divided too. The fraction stays the same size.4 ÷ 4 = 1
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
4 8 1 2
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 12 to 4. What do we divide by?12 ÷ 3 = 4
- Do the same to the top number. We join 3 pieces into one bigger piece, so the top number is divided too. The fraction stays the same size.6 ÷ 3 = 2
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
6 12 2 4
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the top numbers. We need to go from 6 to 3. What do we divide by?6 ÷ 2 = 3
- Do the same to the bottom number. We must divide the top and the bottom by the same number to keep the fraction the same size.10 ÷ 2 = 5
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
6 10 3 5
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the top numbers. We need to go from 8 to 2. What do we divide by?8 ÷ 4 = 2
- Do the same to the bottom number. We must divide the top and the bottom by the same number to keep the fraction the same size.12 ÷ 4 = 3
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
8 12 2 3
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 10 to 5. What do we divide by?10 ÷ 2 = 5
- Do the same to the top number. We join 2 pieces into one bigger piece, so the top number is divided too. The fraction stays the same size.4 ÷ 2 = 2
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
4 10 2 5
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the top numbers. We need to go from 1 to 2. What do we multiply by?1 × 2 = 2
- Do the same to the bottom number. We must multiply the top and the bottom by the same number to keep the fraction the same size.4 × 2 = 8
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 4 2 8
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 4 to 12. What do we multiply by?4 × 3 = 12
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 3 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.1 × 3 = 3
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 4 3 12
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the top numbers. We need to go from 1 to 4. What do we multiply by?1 × 4 = 4
- Do the same to the bottom number. We must multiply the top and the bottom by the same number to keep the fraction the same size.4 × 4 = 16
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
1 4 4 16
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 10 to 5. What do we divide by?10 ÷ 2 = 5
- Do the same to the top number. We join 2 pieces into one bigger piece, so the top number is divided too. The fraction stays the same size.2 ÷ 2 = 1
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
2 10 1 5
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 10 to 5. What do we divide by?10 ÷ 2 = 5
- Do the same to the top number. We join 2 pieces into one bigger piece, so the top number is divided too. The fraction stays the same size.6 ÷ 2 = 3
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
6 10 3 5
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 10 to 5. What do we divide by?10 ÷ 2 = 5
- Do the same to the top number. We join 2 pieces into one bigger piece, so the top number is divided too. The fraction stays the same size.8 ÷ 2 = 4
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
8 10 4 5
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Make the bottom numbers the same by multiplying the top and bottom of one fraction by the same number. Then compare.
- Look at the bottom numbers. The bigger bottom number is 8. We rewrite the other fraction so that its bottom number is 8 too.2 × 4 = 8
- Multiply the top number by the same number. Then the two fractions have the same bottom number and we can compare the tops.
1 2 4 8 - Compare. The tops are the same, so the fractions show the same amount.
4 8 4 8 - Answer. Yes,
1 2 4 8
Check. Look at the bars:
Watch out. Do not add to the top and bottom. Multiply both by the same number.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Make the bottom numbers the same by multiplying the top and bottom of one fraction by the same number. Then compare.
- Look at the bottom numbers. The bigger bottom number is 12. We rewrite the other fraction so that its bottom number is 12 too.3 × 4 = 12
- Multiply the top number by the same number. Then the two fractions have the same bottom number and we can compare the tops.
2 3 8 12 - Compare. The tops are the same, so the fractions show the same amount.
8 12 8 12 - Answer. Yes,
2 3 8 12
Check. Look at the bars:
Watch out. Do not add to the top and bottom. Multiply both by the same number.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Make the bottom numbers the same by multiplying the top and bottom of one fraction by the same number. Then compare.
- Look at the bottom numbers. The bigger bottom number is 10. We rewrite the other fraction so that its bottom number is 10 too.5 × 2 = 10
- Multiply the top number by the same number. Then the two fractions have the same bottom number and we can compare the tops.
3 5 6 10 - Compare. The tops are different, so the fractions show different amounts.
6 10 5 10 - Answer. No,
3 5 5 10
Check. Look at the bars:
Watch out. Do not add to the top and bottom. Multiply both by the same number.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Make the bottom numbers the same by multiplying the top and bottom of one fraction by the same number. Then compare.
- Look at the bottom numbers. The bigger bottom number is 8. We rewrite the other fraction so that its bottom number is 8 too.4 × 2 = 8
- Multiply the top number by the same number. Then the two fractions have the same bottom number and we can compare the tops.
1 4 2 8 - Compare. The tops are different, so the fractions show different amounts.
2 8 3 8 - Answer. No,
1 4 3 8
Check. Look at the bars:
Watch out. Do not add to the top and bottom. Multiply both by the same number.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Make the bottom numbers the same by multiplying the top and bottom of one fraction by the same number. Then compare.
- Look at the bottom numbers. The bigger bottom number is 6. We rewrite the other fraction so that its bottom number is 6 too.3 × 2 = 6
- Multiply the top number by the same number. Then the two fractions have the same bottom number and we can compare the tops.
1 3 2 6 - Compare. The tops are the same, so the fractions show the same amount.
2 6 2 6 - Answer. Yes,
2 6 1 3
Check. Look at the bars:
Watch out. Do not add to the top and bottom. Multiply both by the same number.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Make the bottom numbers the same by multiplying the top and bottom of one fraction by the same number. Then compare.
- Look at the bottom numbers. The bigger bottom number is 10. We rewrite the other fraction so that its bottom number is 10 too.5 × 2 = 10
- Multiply the top number by the same number. Then the two fractions have the same bottom number and we can compare the tops.
2 5 4 10 - Compare. The tops are different, so the fractions show different amounts.
4 10 3 10 - Answer. No,
2 5 3 10
Check. Look at the bars:
Watch out. Do not add to the top and bottom. Multiply both by the same number.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Find the fraction that is not equal to 1/2. A fraction is a half when the top number is half of the bottom number.
- Check each fraction. Half of the bottom number should be the top number.
1 2 3 6 4 8 5 12 - Choose the odd one out. Three fractions are equal to 1/2. One is not.
5 12
Check.
Watch out. Half of the bottom number should equal the top number for a fraction to be a half.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Rewrite
- Check A:
3 6 2 × 3 = 6 and 1 × 3 = 3.1 2 3 6 3 6 - Check B:
4 10 2 × 5 = 10 and 1 × 5 = 5.1 2 5 10 4 10 - Check C:
5 10 2 × 5 = 10 and 1 × 5 = 5.1 2 5 10 5 10 - Check D:
6 12 2 × 6 = 12 and 1 × 6 = 6.1 2 6 12 6 12 - Check E:
3 8 2 × 4 = 8 and 1 × 4 = 4.1 2 4 8 3 8 - Choose the matching fractions. A, C, D
Check. Each chosen fraction shows the same amount as
Watch out. A fraction with a bigger bottom number can still be equal if its top number is bigger too.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 3 to 6. What do we multiply by?3 × 2 = 6
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.2 × 2 = 4
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
2 3 4 6
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Write both fractions with the same bottom number.
- Look at the fractions. Noah ate 2/4 of a pizza. Mei ate 4/8 of an identical pizza.
2 4 4 8 - Change 2/4 into eighths. Multiply the top and the bottom by 2.
2 4 4 8 - Compare. They are the same amount.Neither. They ate the same amount of pizza.
Check. Half of a pizza is 2 quarters and also 4 eighths. ✓
Watch out. The same amount can be written as different fractions.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Check what Dev did to the top and the bottom, then use the correct rule.
- Look at Dev’s method. He added 1 to the top (1 + 1 = 2) and added 1 to the bottom (3 + 1 = 4).
1 3 2 4 - Find the mistake. Adding the same number does not keep the fraction the same size. We must multiply.
- Do it correctly. To make 1/3 into sixths, multiply the top and bottom by 2.
1 3 2 6
Check. In the bars,
Watch out. To get an equivalent fraction, multiply or divide. Never add.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 5 to 10. What do we multiply by?5 × 2 = 10
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 2 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.2 × 2 = 4
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
2 5 4 10
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 5 to 15. What do we multiply by?5 × 3 = 15
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 3 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.2 × 3 = 6
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
2 5 6 15
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.
Key words. Equivalent fractions are different fractions that show the same amount, like 1/2 and 2/4.
Method. Equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply (or divide) the top and the bottom by the same number.
- Look at the bottom numbers. We need to go from 5 to 20. What do we multiply by?5 × 4 = 20
- Do the same to the top number. Every piece is cut into 4 smaller pieces, so the top number is multiplied too. The fraction stays the same size.2 × 4 = 8
- Write the equivalent fractions. Both fractions show the same amount.
2 5 8 20
Check.
Watch out. Never add or subtract the same number to the top and bottom. You must multiply or divide both.