Download Equivalent Fractions

How to Make Equivalent Fractions
Step One: Choose any number to multiply against the numerator and
denominator.
*IT MUST BE THE SAME NUMBER YOU MULTIPLY ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM.
Step Two: Multiply straight across. This is your equivalent fraction.
EXAMPLE:
Find an equivalent fraction for
2 is the chosen number
3
5
3
5
x
2
2
=
6
10
How to Identify Equivalent Fractions
OPTION ONE: Change the fractions to a common denominator
Option A: Check to see if your smaller denominator can be multiplied by another number to
turn into your larger denominator.
-If so, follow these steps (If not, go to Option B):
-Multiply the fraction with the smaller denominator by the same number on the top and the
bottom so that both denominators will be the same.
-Compare the numerators once the denominators are the same. If they are equal, then the
fractions are equivalent.
Example: Are
2
6
and
4
12
equivalent?
Think: Can 6 be multiplied by a number to turn into 12? YES (by 2).
So, multiply the numerator AND denominator of that fraction by the number (2).
2
6
x
2
=
2
4
12
Now, compare your new fraction with the other fraction to determine if they are equivalent.
2
6
4
12
and
4
12
and
: Are these equivalent?
4
12
YES
Option B: If your smaller denominator cannot be changed into your larger denominator by
multiplication, you need to find a common denominator. (Any common denominator will
do.)
-Multiply each fraction on the top and bottom by whatever number you need to in order to
make each denominator the common denominator.
-Once the denominators are the same, compare the numerators. If they are the same, then
they are equivalent.
Example: Are
3
5
and
4
6
equivalent?
Think:
-Can 5 be multiplied by a number to turn into 6? NO.
-Find a multiple that 5 and 6 have in common.
(An easy way is to multiply 5 by 6.)
(Common multiple: 30)
-Turn each fraction (through multiplication) into one that has 30 as the new denominator.
3
5
4
6
x
x
Are
Are
6
6
5
5
3
5
18
30
=
=
and
and
18
30
20
30
4
6
equivalent?
20
30
equivalent?
NO
OPTION TWO: Draw a picture
*Do this option ONLY if you must. It is the least reliable.
Tips for drawing fractions:
-Draw RECTANGULAR boxes (not circles).
-Draw the boxes on top of each other to
easily compare and ensure the boxes are the
same size.
-Split the sections into EQUAL pieces…erase
and try again if they aren’t equal the first
time!
Example: Are
3
5
and
NO
4
6
equivalent?
OPTION THREE: Cross multiply
Example: Are
1. Circle the OPPOSITE numerator and
denominator together.
2. Multiply the numbers you’ve circled
together. Write the product ABOVE the
NUMERATOR.
3. If the products written above the
numerators are the same, then the fractions
are equivalent. If not, whichever product
written above the numerator is bigger, that
represents the bigger fraction.
3
5
and
4
6
3
4
5
6
18
20
3
4
5
6
Example: Are
3
5
and
NO.
4
6
equivalent?
equivalent?