Equivalent Fractions
Equivalent Fractions have the same value, even though they may look different.
These fractions are really the same:
Why are they the same? Because when you multiply or divide both the top and bottom by the same number, the fraction keeps it's value.
The rule to remember is:
What you do to the top of the fraction
you must also do to the bottom of the fraction !
So, here is why those fractions are really the same:
| |
× 2 |
|
× 2 |
|
|
|
| 1 |
= |
2 |
= |
4 |
|
|
|
| 2 |
4 |
8 |
|
|
| |
× 2 |
|
× 2 |
|
And visually it looks like this:
Here are some more equivalent fractions, this time by dividing:
| |
÷ 3 |
|
÷ 6 |
|
 |
| 18 |
= |
6 |
= |
1 |
|
|
|
| 36 |
12 |
2 |
 |
| |
÷ 3 |
|
÷ 6 |
|
If we keep dividing until we can't go any further, then we have simplified the fraction (made it as simple as possible).
Important:
- The top and bottom of the fraction must always be a whole number.
- So, the number you pick to divide by must always divide evenly (ie no remainders) for both the top and bottom numbers.
- You only multiply or divide, never add or subtract, to get an equivalent fraction.
A Chart of Fractions
We also have a chart of fractions with each row giving you examples of equivalent fractions.
|
Home
