Equivalent Fractions

≈ 18 min

Different-looking fractions can name the same amount. $\frac{1}{2}$ , $\frac{2}{4}$ and $\frac{3}{6}$ all describe exactly half of a whole — they are equivalent fractions.

You make an equivalent fraction by multiplying (or dividing) the numerator and the denominator by the same number:

\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 2}{2 \times 2} = \frac{2}{4}

Worked example. Find the missing number: $\frac{1}{3} = \frac{?}{6}$ .

The denominator went from $3$ to $6$ , which is $\times 2$ . Do the same to the top: $1 \times 2 = 2$ . So $\frac{1}{3} = \frac{2}{6}$ .

Which fraction is equal to $\frac{1}{2}$ ?

$\frac{2}{4}$

$\frac{1}{4}$

$\frac{2}{3}$

$\frac{3}{4}$

Find the missing number: $\frac{1}{3} = \frac{?}{6}$

Find the missing number: $\frac{2}{5} = \frac{?}{10}$

Which fraction is NOT equal to $\frac{1}{2}$ ?

$\frac{3}{6}$

$\frac{4}{8}$

$\frac{2}{4}$

$\frac{2}{5}$