Equivalent fractions

Topic Notes

In this lesson, we will learn:

  • How to find equivalent fractions using models
  • How to find equivalent fractions using multiplication (and division)
  • How to find fractions in lowest terms (simplest form)

Notes:

  • Equivalent fractions are fractions with the same value even though they look different (top and bottoms are not the same numbers)
    • This can be proven by showing fraction models
    • By using the same whole shape and splitting into different numbers of equal parts, all the shape models have the same proportion of shaded area:
Equivalent Fractions
    • By lining up number lines on top of each other, all the number line models show the dot representing the fractions on the same point along the line
Equivalent Fractions
  • Equivalent fractions have the same value because they take the same fraction (proportion) and multiply BOTH the top and bottom by the same number; the value does not change
Equivalent Fractions
  • Fractions in lowest terms (or simplest form) are the smallest equivalent fraction
    • Divide the top and bottom by the same common factor until you cant anymore
Equivalent Fractions