How do you find equivalent fractions?

Multiply or divide both the numerator and denominator by the same whole number. For example, 1/2 x 3/3 = 3/6, so 3/6 is equivalent to 1/2. To simplify, divide both by their GCF: 4/8 ÷ 4/4 = 1/2.

How do you know if two fractions are equivalent?

Cross-multiply and compare. If a/b = c/d, then a x d = b x c. For example, 1/2 and 3/6 are equivalent because 1 x 6 = 6 and 2 x 3 = 6.

Grade 3-5 visual guide

Equivalent Fractions

Fractions that look different but mean the same thing. Enter any fraction below to see its entire equivalent family - with a visual and step-by-step explanation.

Grade 3-5InteractiveVisualFreePrintable chart

Definition

What are equivalent fractions?

Equivalent fractions are fractions that represent the same value even though they have different numerators and denominators.

frac12 = frac24 = frac36 = frac48

They all describe the same amount: one half. You can create equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing both the numerator and denominator by the same number.

1/2

2/4

4/8

Generator

Equivalent Fractions Generator

Enter any fraction to see its equivalent family.

Enter a fraction

How many to show?

Equivalent fractions for 1/2

Simplest form: 1/2

GCF(1, 2) = 1 ✓ already in lowest terms

Visual

Fraction bar visualization

1/2

Every bar above is the same length. The shaded portion is always the same size - that is what makes these fractions equivalent. The denominator changes how many pieces the bar is cut into, but the shaded amount never changes.

Methods

How to find equivalent fractions

Multiply (Scale Up)

1. Choose any whole number to multiply by: choose x3.
2. frac12 times frac33 = frac36
3. frac12 = frac36 ✓

✓ Multiply both top and bottom by the same number.
✗ Multiplying only the numerator changes the value.

Divide (Scale Down)

1. operatornameGCF(4, 8) = 4
2. frac48 div frac44 = frac12
3. frac48 = frac12 ✓

✓ Dividing by the GCF gives simplest form in one step.
✗ If GCF = 1, the fraction is already simplest.

Multiply to find bigger equivalent fractions. Divide to find smaller equivalent fractions. How to simplify fractions

Chart

Equivalent fractions chart

Common fractions and their equivalents - printable.

Simplest	x2	x3	x4	x5	x6	x8	x10

Practice

Practice: find the missing number

Fill in the blank to make the fractions equivalent.

frac13 = frac?9

frac25 = frac?20

frac?12 = frac34

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