Equivalent Fractions - Cycle 3

A fraction is equivalent to another fraction when it represents the same part of a whole or set.

To fully understand what an equivalent fraction is, first you need to understand the role of the numerator and the denominator. To learn what a numerator and a denominator are, see The Representation of a Fraction.

It is important for the wholes to be identical - that is to say, they are the same size, as in the following image.

To find an equivalent fraction using multiplication, I need to complete the following steps:

1. I determine by what number to multiply the fraction.
2. I multiply the numerator by that number.
3. I multiply the denominator by the same number.

Find a fraction equivalent to |\dfrac{4}{6}| using multiplication.

I determine by what number I want to multiply the fraction. Here, I choose to multiply the fraction by 3.
I multiply the numerator by that number.
I multiply the denominator by the same number.

|\dfrac{12}{18}| is an equivalent fraction to |\dfrac{4}{6}.|

To find an equivalent fraction using division, I need to complete the following steps:

1. I determine the number I want to divide the fraction by.
2. I divide the numerator by that number.
3. I divide the denominator by the same number.

Find a fraction equivalent to |\dfrac{4}{6}| by using division.

I determine the number I want to divide the fraction by. I need to make sure that the numerator and the denominator are both divisible by the number I choose. I know that both 4 and 6 are divisible by 2.
I divide the numerator by that number.
I divide the denominator by the same number.

|\dfrac{2}{3}| is an equivalent fraction to |\dfrac{4}{6}.|