Understanding equivalent fractions with pictures and examples.
Equivalent fractions look different yet have the same value as you can see from the pictures above. Looking at the shapes above demonstrates that they are easy to ‘see’ and working them out can be fairly easy as long as you know you times tables. Lets start with a simple example to explain how.
1
=
2
2
4
The picture above showstwo different fractions that are equal to a half. All you have to do is multiply the numerator (top number) and the denominator (bottom number) by the same value and you have an equivalent fraction.
1
x2
=
2
2
x2
4
Here are some more examples of equivalent fractions using thirds:
1
x2
=
2
3
x2
6
1
x3
=
3
3
x3
9
Now lets look at how to simplify a fraction.
Simplifying a fraction means to reduce to the lowest form. To the right you can see that the simplest form of 3/6 is 1/2. So simplifying a fraction means finding the lowest equivalent fraction.
3
=
2
=
1
6
4
2
To simplify a fraction you will need to find a common factor for the denominator (bottom number) and the numerator. 3 is a factor of 3 and 6 because you can divide 3 and 6 by 3. It helps to know your times tables when working out factors.
You can work out if a fraction is equivalent by a simple multiplication method. Cross multiply as in the picture opposite, if both values are the same then you have an equivalent fraction: 3x2 = 6 and 6x1= 6 This will work for any equivalent fractions - try some for yourself.
