Equivalent Fractions

An equivalent fraction is a fraction that represents the same value as another fraction, even though the numbers may be different. For example, $$\frac{1}{2}$$ is equivalent to $$\frac{2}{4}$$ .

To find equivalent fractions, you can multiply or divide the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the same non-zero number. For example, multiplying $$\frac{1}{3}$$ by 2 gives $$\frac{2}{6}$$ .

The numerator is the top number of a fraction that indicates how many parts of the whole are being considered. For example, in $$\frac{3}{4}$$ , 3 is the numerator.

The denominator is the bottom number of a fraction that indicates how many equal parts the whole is divided into. For example, in $$\frac{3}{4}$$ , 4 is the denominator.

$$\frac{2}{4}$$ and $$\frac{4}{8}$$ are equivalent to $$\frac{1}{2}$$ .

$$\frac{5}{5}$$ is equal to one whole.

$$\frac{2}{3}$$ and $$\frac{4}{6}$$ are equivalent fractions because they represent the same value.

The simplest form of $$\frac{6}{9}$$ is $$\frac{2}{3}$$ .

$$\frac{2}{3}$$ is NOT equivalent to one half.

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF). For example, to simplify $$\frac{8}{12}$$ , divide both by 4 to get $$\frac{2}{3}$$ .