One half and two quarters
These fractions cover the same amount of the whole.
One half.
Two quarters.
is equivalent to .
Year 4
Recognise and show, using diagrams, families of common equivalent fractions
Use fraction strips and diagrams to spot when different fractions name the same amount.
Lesson overview
Number - fractions
Equivalent fractions are different fractions with the same value. Diagrams help us compare the amount covered, not just the numbers written in the fraction.
Tenths and hundredths
and show the same amount.
Both fractions represent one half.
Use the size, not the digits
Equivalent fractions look different but cover the same amount.
The diagram matters more than the digits on their own.
Worked example
Explain why and are equivalent.
- Look at the whole split into 6 equal parts.
- Three of those sixths cover half of the whole.
- A whole split into 2 equal parts also shows one half.
- So and are equivalent fractions.
Round 1: Learn it
Use the size of the fraction shown, not just the digits in the fraction.
Finish this round to unlock Round 2: Show you know it.
Question 1
Which fraction is equivalent to ?
Question 2
Which statement is true?
Question 3
How many sixths 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 as you work through the lesson.
- Thinking fractions are equivalent because the numbers look similar.
- Comparing only the denominators.
- Ignoring what the diagram shows about the size.
Related topics
These ideas connect closely to this lesson.
- Count up and down in hundredths; recognise that hundredths arise when dividing an object by one hundred and dividing tenths by ten.
- Recognise and write decimal equivalents of any number of tenths or hundredths and recognise decimal equivalents to , and .