Welcome! Today we'll explore equivalent fractions. Equivalent fractions are fractions that represent the same value, even though they look different. For example, one half and two fourths represent the same amount - they're equivalent fractions.
To create equivalent fractions, we use a simple rule: multiply or divide both the numerator and denominator by the same non-zero number. For example, one half times two over two equals two fourths. Or three sixths divided by three over three equals one half. The key is using the same number for both top and bottom.
Let's visualize equivalent fractions using rectangles. Here we see one half, two fourths, and three sixths. Even though we divide the rectangle into different numbers of parts, the shaded area remains the same. This shows us that these fractions are equivalent - they all represent the same amount.
Let's practice finding equivalent fractions. Starting with two thirds, we can create many equivalent fractions. Multiply both top and bottom by 2 to get four sixths. Multiply by 3 to get six ninths. Multiply by 4 to get eight twelfths. All of these fractions are equivalent to two thirds.
To summarize, equivalent fractions are fractions that represent the same value, even though they look different. The key rule is simple: multiply or divide both the numerator and denominator by the same non-zero number. This creates fractions that are equivalent to the original. Remember this rule, and you'll be able to find equivalent fractions easily!