maths coordinator
Posts : 113
Join date : 2010-01-28
Location : Deplomatic International School
 |  Subject: Equivalent Fractions  Wed Feb 10, 2010 1:37 am | |
| Equivalent Fractions have the same value, even though they may look different. These fractions are really the same:1/2 ....... 2/4 .......... 4/8  Why are they the same? Because when you multiply or divide both the top(N) and bottom(D) by the same number, the fraction keeps it's value. The rule to remember is: What you do to the numerator of the fraction
you must also do to the denimerator of the fraction !So, here is why those fractions are really the same:
× 2 × 2
1 = 2 = 4
2 = 4 = 8
× 2 × 2 And visually it looks like this:
1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8
Here are some more equivalent fractions, this time by dividing:
÷ 3 ÷ 6
18 = 6 = 1
36 = 12 = 2
÷ 3 ÷ 6
If we keep dividing until we can't go any further, then we have simplified the fraction (made it as simple as possible).  Important:  The N and D of the fraction must always be a whole number. So, the number you pick to divide by must always divide evenly ( no remainders) for both the N and D numbers. You only multiply or divide, never add or subtract, to get an equivalent fraction. Maths coordinator  | |
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