Equivalent fractions (age 8+)

Generate simple equivalent fractions and explain why they are equivalent using visual fraction models

ages 8 to 98 practice questionsvideo included

What a learner can do afterwards

Given 1/3, generate 2/6 as equivalent and show with area model
Simplify 4/8 to 1/2 and justify with a fraction strip
Complete equivalence chains: 1/4 = ?/8 = ?/12

The lesson

Equivalent fractions cover the same amount of space, even though they look different. You have already seen this on a number line. Now let's see it with shapes.

Tap to shade 1 of the 3 parts.

This bar has 3 equal parts. One part is shaded, so it shows 1/3.

Tap to shade 2 of the 6 parts.

Cut the same bar into 6 parts instead. Two parts are shaded, and it covers the exact same space as before: 2/6.

Try it together

Ben has a strip split into 8 equal parts, with 4 shaded. He groups the parts in pairs: now there are 4 groups, and 2 are shaded. That's 2/4. He groups again, and it becomes 1/2. So 4/8, 2/4, and 1/2 all show the same amount.

Good to know

To make an equivalent fraction, multiply the top and bottom by the same number, or divide the top and bottom by the same number. The shaded amount never changes, only how many pieces it's split into.

Equivalent fractions cover the same amount of space, no matter how many pieces you cut it into, as long as you multiply or divide the top and bottom by the same number.

Watch it

Where it sits

Learn first

Equivalent fractions on a number line

This opens up

Justifying mathematical reasoning (age 8+)Equivalent fractions (age 9+)

Where this leads

Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.

Baker Chef Dancer Music Producer Musician

Then practise

8 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.