Grade 3–5 · Ages 8–11

Equivalent & Simplifying Fractions

Discover that fractions can look different yet be equal, and learn to simplify any fraction to its simplest form.

Equivalent Fractions

Equivalent fractions are different fractions that represent the same amount.

½ = 2/4 = 3/6 = 4/8

Rule: Multiply (or divide) both top and bottom by the same number and you get an equivalent fraction.

Find the Greatest Common Factor (GCF) of the top and bottom, then divide both by it.

Simplify 8/12

GCF of 8 and 12 = 4

8 ÷ 4 = 2, 12 ÷ 4 = 3

8/12 = ⅔ ✓

Same denominator

3/7 vs 5/7

Bigger numerator = bigger fraction → 5/7 > 3/7

Same numerator

2/5 vs 2/9

Bigger denominator = smaller fraction → 2/5 > 2/9

Different both

3/4 vs 2/3

Convert to common denominator: 9/12 vs 8/12 → 3/4 > 2/3

Operation

Problem Type

Difficulty

Number of questions

Worksheet title (optional)

Example: 6 ½ 3

account_balance

Grade 3-4 equivalent

Fraction basics

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