Equivalent Fractionshave the same value, even though they may look different.These fractions are really the same:
12=24=48
Why are they the same?Because when you multiply or divideboththe top and bottom by the same number, the fraction keeps it's value.
The rule to remember is:
"Change the bottom using multiply or divide,And the same to the top must be applied"
So, here is why those fractions are really the same:
× 2× 2
1=2=4248
× 2× 2And visually it looks like this:1/22/44/8
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See the Animation
SeeFractions on the Number Line... it shows you many equivalent fractions
We also have aChart of Fractionswith many examples of equivalent fractions.
Dividing
Here are some more equivalent fractions, this time by dividing:
÷ 3÷ 6
18=6=136122
÷ 3÷ 6
Choose the number you divide by carefully, so that the results (both top and bottom) staywhole numbers.
If we keep dividing until we can't go any further, then we havesimplifiedthe fraction (made it as simple as possible).
Summary:
- You can make equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividingboth top and bottomby the same amount.
- You only multiply or divide,never add or subtract, to get an equivalent fraction.
- Only divide when the top and bottom would still be whole numbers.
