Equivalent fractions have the same value even though they have different numerators and denominators.
These are equivalent fractions:
How can you tell when fractions are equivalent?
When you draw area models, equivalent fractions have exactly the same amount of colored area.
In number line models, equivalent fractions have the same lengths.
Another way of looking at equivalent fractions is like getting the same fraction of a pizza, but with more, smaller slices.
We can make equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing both the numerator and the denominator by the same number.
Make sure to use the same operation and the same number for both the numerator and the denominator.
Are these two fractions equivalent?
To check if any two fractions are equivalent, use the crisscross trick.
Multiply the numerator of one fraction with the denominator of the other. This is that numerator's crisscross.
Let's try it.
8 x 3 = 24. We can write that crisscross value above the numerator to keep track.
Now, let's find the other numerator's crisscross.
If fractions have the same crisscross, they're equivalent.
This means 8/12 and 2/3 are equivalent fractions. ✅
Tip: If the multiplication is a little hard, you can try simplifying the fractions before doing the crisscross. We'll cover that in the next lesson.
To see if any two fractions are equivalent, you just have to multiply twice using the crisscross trick.
Otherwise, you can try to find a common multiplier of the numerator and denominator of one fraction that gets you the other.
Are these two fractions equivalent?
Let's find the first crisscross.
Now, let's multiply 4 x 6 to find the other crisscross.
We see these fractions are not equivalent. They don't have the same crisscross.
The fraction with the larger crisscross is larger.
3/4 is greater than 6/10.
Great work!
Let's solve a missing numerator problem together.
Let's think. How are their denominators related? 🤔
We figure this out by dividing 18 by 3.
18 ÷ 3 = 6
So, the denominator 18 is six times larger than the other denominator.
For the fractions to be equivalent, or equal, the missing numerator must also be six times larger than the other numerator, 2.
2 × 6 = ?
Do you know the answer?
2 × 6 = 12
We found the missing numerator, 12.
This means that 2/3 is equivalent to 12/18.
Let's solve one last problem together.
How are their numerators related?
20 ÷ 5 = 4
The left numerator is 4 times smaller than the right numerator.
So, the left denominator must also be 4 times smaller than the right denominator.
24 ÷ 4 = ?
Can you figure it out?
24 ÷ 4 = 6
The missing denominator is 6.
This means that 20/24 is equivalent to 5/6. ✅
You did a great job learning about equivalent fractions. 🎉
Now, let's try the practice. You'll understand more and remember for longer.