Student Tutorial: What Are Equivalent Fractions?

Instructions:

See how to generate equivalent fractions. Study the examples.

Click the arrows on the bottom to get started

Math Clip Art: Student Tutorial Title Page

Equivalent Fractions

A fraction can be rewritten as another fraction.

These are called equivalent fractions and there is no limit to the number of equivalent fractions.

An area model of fractions shows that equivalent fractions take up the same amount of space.

For a given fraction, how do you create equivalent fractions?

Let’s start with a unit fraction, which is already in simplest form.

To generate the first equivalent fraction, multiply the numerator and denominator by 2.

To generate the second equivalent fraction, multiply the numerator and denominator by 3.

To generate the third equivalent fraction, multiply the numerator and denominator by 4.

Generating equivalent fractions can continue indefinitely.

For non-unit fractions, start with a fraction in simplest form.

Generate the first equivalent fraction.

Continue with the second equivalent fraction.

Continue with the third equivalent fraction.

Continue generating equivalent fractions by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same value.

Math Example--Fraction Properties--Generating Equivalent Fractions: Example 1

Math Example--Fraction Properties--Generating Equivalent Fractions: Example 2

Math Example--Fraction Properties--Generating Equivalent Fractions: Example 3

Math Example--Fraction Properties--Generating Equivalent Fractions: Example 4

Math Example--Fraction Properties--Generating Equivalent Fractions: Example 5