What Are Equivalent Fractions?

What You'll Learn

• Fraction bars, circles, and number lines can show when fractions are equal
• One-half, two-fourths, and four-eighths can all be the same size
• If you multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number, the fraction stays equal
• If you divide the numerator and denominator by the same number, you can make an equivalent fraction in simpler form
• Equivalent fractions only work when you are talking about equal-size wholes

Words to Know

Equivalent fractions

Fractions that look different but mean the same amount

"1/2 and 2/4 are equivalent fractions."

Numerator

The top number in a fraction

"In 3/4, the 3 is the numerator."

Denominator

The bottom number in a fraction

"In 3/4, the 4 is the denominator."

Fraction bar

A model split into equal parts to show a fraction

"The fraction bar showed that 2/4 is the same as 1/2."

Whole

One complete shape or object before it is split

"We used the same whole pizza to compare the fractions."

Check What You Learned

Fun Facts

• Equivalent fractions are fractions that name the same point on a number line and the same amount of a whole.

  Source: Common Core State Standards Initiative

• A fraction like 1/2 is equal to 2/4 and 4/8 because the same whole is split into more equal parts, but the same amount is shaded.

  Source: Common Core State Standards Initiative

• Fraction bars and circles help students see that equivalent fractions cover the same amount of space.

  Source: Khan Academy

• Multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same nonzero number makes an equivalent fraction.

  Source: Britannica

• Dividing the numerator and denominator by the same nonzero number can make a simpler equivalent fraction.

  Source: Britannica

• Equivalent fractions land on the same spot on a number line.

  Source: Common Core State Standards Initiative