What makes 2 fractions equivalent

To find the equivalent fractions for any given fraction, divide the numerator and the denominator by the same number. We know that 2 is a common factor of both 72 and Let us see how the fraction is further simplified:. We need to simplify the given fractions to find whether they are equivalent or not.

Simplification to get equivalent numbers can be done to a point where both the numerator and denominator should still be whole numbers.

There are various methods to identify if the given fractions are equivalent. Some of them are:. The LCM of the denominators 6 and 9 is Let us make the denominators of both fractions 18, by multiplying them with suitable numbers.

Thus, the given fractions are equivalent. Note: If the fractions are NOT equivalent, we can check the greater or smaller fraction by looking at the numerator of both the resultant fractions.

Hence, this method can also be used for comparing fractions. The decimal values of both the fractions are the same and hence, they are equivalent. If both the products are the same, the fractions are equivalent.

We can see that the shaded portions of both circles are equal. Hence, the given fractions are equivalent. This article was co-authored by David Jia. With over 10 years of teaching experience, David works with students of all ages and grades in various subjects, as well as college admissions counseling and test preparation for the SAT, ACT, ISEE, and more.

This article has been viewed , times. Two fractions are equivalent if they have the same value. Knowing how to convert a fraction into an equivalent one is an essential math skill that's necessary for everything from basic algebra to advanced calculus. This article will cover several ways to calculate equivalent fractions from basic multiplication and division to more complex methods for solving equivalent fraction equations. If you divide the original fraction, the result must have whole numbers in the numerator and denominator to be valid.

To check the result, use cross-multiplication. Multiply the denominator of the first fraction by the numerator of the second fraction, then multiply the first numerator by the second denominator. If the 2 answers are equal, the fractions are equivalent. If you need to learn how to solve variables in your fraction, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers.

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Method 1. Multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number. Two fractions that are different but equivalent have, by definition, numerators and denominators that are multiples of each other.

In other words, multiplying the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the same number will produce an equivalent fraction. Though the numbers in the new fraction will be different, the fractions will have the same value. These two fractions are equivalent. Any given fraction has an infinite number of equivalent fractions. You can multiply the numerator and denominator by any whole number, no matter how large or small to obtain an equivalent fraction.

Divide the numerator and denominator by the same number. Like multiplication, division can also be used to find a new fraction that's equivalent to your starting fraction. Simply divide the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same number to obtain an equivalent fraction. There is one caveat to this process--the resulting fraction must have whole numbers in both the numerator and denominator to be valid. Method 2. Find the number by which the smaller denominator needs to be multiplied to make the larger denominator.

Many problems regarding fractions involve determining if two fractions are equivalent. In Year 6, they will add and subtract fractions with different denominators and mixed numbers, using the concept of equivalent fractions. Non-statutory guidance for Year 6 suggests that common factors can be related to finding equivalent fractions and that children practise calculations with simple fractions… including listing equivalent fractions to identify fractions with common denominators.

Children will need to understand equivalent fractions to be able to convert between fractions, decimals and percentages. Knowledge of times tables , the lowest common multiple and highest common factor are also important for equivalent fractions. Wondering about how to explain other key maths vocabulary to your children?

Check out our Primary Maths Dictionary , or try these other terms related to equivalent fractions:. Learn more or request a personalised quote to speak to us about your needs and how we can help. Our online tuition for maths programme provides every child with their own professional one to one maths tutor. One to one interventions that transform maths attainment. Find out more. Support for your school next term Personalised one to one maths lessons designed to plug gaps, build confidence and boost progress Register your interest.

Group Created with Sketch. Register for FREE now. Let me erase this. Why isn't it letting me erase? Let me use the regular mouse. OK, good. Sorry for that. Well, by the same principle, as long as we multiply the numerator and the denominator by the same numbers, we'll get an equivalent fraction. So if we multiply the numerator times 7 and the denominator times 7, we'll get because 3 times 7 is over And if you look at this, what we're doing here isn't magic.

If I had 7 pieces in a pie and I were to eat 7 of them; I ate the whole pie. Oh boy, this thing is messing up. So it's interesting.

All we did is multiply the number by 1 and we know that any number times 1 is still that number. And I wanted to write that with the denominator-- let's say I wanted to write that with the denominator Well, to go from 12 to 36, what do we have to multiply by? Well 12 goes into 36 three times. So if we multiply the denominator by 3, we also have to multiply the numerator by 3. Times 3.