Equivalent Fractions - what are they?

USE AN EVERY DAY MANIPULATIVE TO EXPLAIN THESE FRACTIONS

Equivalent fractions are fractions that are expressed in a different way from each other but have the same value. An excellent method of explaining this to kids is through the use of money. Or, a more traditional 'classroom' manipulative is either using a set of Fraction Circles or Fraction Bars.

Explain Equivalent Fractions using money.

I use American dollars in this example, however any currency works just the same!  Even if your child in someway or completely understands this concept, it will just solidify their understanding.  This works really well for kids that lean toward any of the three main learning styles.

Give your child a one dollar bill and four quarter coins ...

...either in two groups on the table or the note in one hand and the coins in the other.

Now ask them a few questions ....

Which pile has the most of ANY ONE thing?...The answer here is 'quarters' there are four and only one dollar bill.

Which pile has the most VALUE?...The answer here is they both have the same value - $1.00

How can 1 of something and 4 of something else have the same value?

Because they are composed of the same thing - 100 pennies, but are represented in two different ways.

They are EQUIVALENT to each other.

Common Examples of Equivalent Fractions

Where to go from here?

Knowing a skill is the first step, the second must always be to practice. Head to my fractions worksheets to do this.

Or visit the Fractions Section or our Numbers and Operations section, to chose your next topic to study.

You can also move from equivalent fractions to Printable Math Worksheets home page to explore the rest of the site.


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