Recognizing equivalent fractions
I can recognise when two different fractions name the same amount.
Learn
Is eating 2 of 4 slices the same as eating 1 of 2 halves?
Equivalent fractions look different but cover exactly the same amount of the whole.
Split each half of a bar in two and 1/2 becomes 2/4. Split again and it becomes 4/8. The shaded amount never changes.
On a number line, equivalent fractions land on the very same point.
Not every pair is equivalent: 2/3 and 3/4 both have “one part missing”, but the missing parts are different sizes.
Worked examples
1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8
- All three bars are the same whole.
- The shaded length is identical in each.
- So 1/2, 2/4 and 4/8 are equivalent.
Same point on the line
- 2/3 and 4/6 land on the same spot.
- They are equal numbers.
Explore
Try to make the shaded length match 1/2 using different denominators, such as 2/4, 3/6 and 6/12.
Guided practice
Use the hints as much as you like. You can try each question as many times as you need.
0 of 2 solved
Are these two bars equivalent?
Choose the symbol: 3/4 ? 6/8
Independent practice
Answers are checked exactly — equivalent fractions count unless a question asks for a particular form.
0 of 4 solved
Which fraction is NOT equivalent to 1/2?
Choose the symbol: 2/5 ? 4/10
Choose the symbol: 2/3 ? 3/4
The point on the line marks a fraction. Give any equivalent fraction with denominator 8.
Common mistakes
Believing 4/8 is more than 1/2 because the numbers are bigger.
Why it happens: Bigger numbers can describe smaller parts. The amount is what matters.
What to do: Line the two models up and compare the shaded lengths.
Thinking 2/3 and 3/4 are equal because each is “one away” from a whole.
Why it happens: One third is bigger than one fourth, so the gaps are different.
What to do: Compare the missing parts, or place both on a number line.
Lesson check
Three practice questions to check your understanding. Hints and retries are allowed, so this counts as practice — not mastery.
0 of 3 solved
Choose the symbol: 3/9 ? 1/3
Which pair is equivalent?
Choose the symbol: 5/6 ? 10/12
Show mastery on your own
Ready? Answer 4 new questions with no hints and one try each. This is the only way a lesson is marked as mastered.
Start mastery check