4th Grade Math
Fractions, decimals, and geometric concepts for fourth grade students.
Advanced Topics
Equivalent Fractions
What Are Equivalent Fractions?
Equivalent fractions are different fractions that represent the same amount. For example, \( \frac{1}{2} \) and \( \frac{2}{4} \) are equivalent because they both show the same part of a whole.
How to Find Equivalent Fractions
You can make equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing both the numerator and denominator by the same number.
- Multiply numerator and denominator: \( \frac{1}{3} \times \frac{2}{2} = \frac{2}{6} \)
- Divide numerator and denominator: \( \frac{6}{8} \div \frac{2}{2} = \frac{3}{4} \)
Why Are They Important?
Equivalent fractions help us compare, add, or subtract fractions easily.
Real-World Uses
- Using different measuring cups to get the same amount
- Dividing a pizza into different numbers of slices but getting the same portion
Key Formula
\[\frac{a}{b} = \frac{a \times n}{b \times n}\]
Examples
Filling a half-cup twice is the same as filling a one-cup once.
Eating 2 slices from a pizza cut into 8 equals eating 1 slice from a pizza cut into 4.
In a Nutshell
Equivalent fractions look different but have the same value.