Learn | Grasp Maths

Lesson overview

Number - fractions

Equivalent fractions are different fractions that have the same value. We can see this clearly with diagrams and fraction strips, such as $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{2}{4}$ .

One half and two quarters

These fractions cover the same amount of the whole.

One half.

Two quarters.

$\frac{1}{2}$ is equivalent to $\frac{2}{4}$ .

One third and two sixths

Different names can still show the same amount.

Equivalent fractions take up the same fraction of the whole.

Use diagrams to check

Pictures help us see the same amount more clearly.

A good diagram helps us compare the size, not only the digits.

Worked example

Explain why $\frac{2}{4}$ and $\frac{1}{2}$ are equivalent.

Look at a whole split into 4 equal parts.
Two of those quarters cover half of the whole.
A whole split into 2 equal parts also shows one half.
So $\frac{2}{4}$ and $\frac{1}{2}$ are equivalent fractions.

Try it

Use the size of the fraction, not just the digits, to decide whether fractions are equivalent.

Question 1

Which fraction is equivalent to $\frac{1}{2}$ ?

Question 2

Which statement is true?

Question 3

How many quarters are equivalent to one half?

Question 4

Which pair shows the same amount?

Question 5

Why are equivalent fractions special?

Common mistakes

Watch for these when working through the lesson.

Thinking fractions are equivalent because the numbers look similar.
Comparing denominators only.
Ignoring the size shown by the diagram.

Recognise and show, using diagrams, equivalent fractions with small denominators

Lesson overview

Worked example

Try it

Common mistakes

Related topics

Independent practice will plug in here