Identify equivalent fractions
for 6th grade

Identify equivalent fractions

There are various ways to identify pairs of fractions that are equivalent:

Method 1: Simplify and compare

Simplify both fractions to their lowest terms: To do this, find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator of each fraction and divide both the numerator and denominator by the GCF. The result will be a simplified fraction that is equivalent to the original fraction.

For example, say you have two fractions, 2/4 and 3/6. The GCF of 2 and 4 is 2. Dividing numerator and denominator by 2 gives us 1/2. The GCF of 3 and 6 is 3. Dividing numerator and denominator by 3 gives us 1/2. Since the simplified fractions are the same, the original fractions (2/4 and 3/6) are equivalent.

Method 2: Cross-multiply and compare

Another method to identify equivalent fractions is to cross-multiply. To do this, multiply the numerator of one fraction by the denominator of the other fraction, and vice versa. If the results are the same, then the fractions are equivalent.

For example, if you have two fractions, 2/3 and 4/6, you can cross-multiply to get 2 x 6 = 12 and 4 x 3 = 12. Since the results are the same, the fractions are equivalent.

Method 3: Convert to decimals and compare

A third way to identify equivalent fractions is to convert both fractions to decimals and compare the decimals. If the decimals are the same, then the fractions are equivalent.

For example, if you have two fractions, 1/3 and 2/6, you can convert them to decimals by dividing the numerator by the denominator. 1/3 = 0.3333 and 2/6 = 0.3333. Since the decimals are the same, the fractions are equivalent.

By following these steps, you can identify pairs of fractions that are equivalent.