Multiply and Divide Fractions to Make Them Equivalent

In this activity, we will be learning how to find equivalent fractions. 

 

One way we can do this is to use a fraction wall like this. 

 

 

We can use the wall to find fractions that are equivalent.  

These are fractions that use the same amount of space on the wall.

The fraction wall shows us that 3/4 and 6/8 are equivalent. 

 

We might also use other images or mental calculations to help find equivalent fractions. 

 

These fraction bars show that 6/10 and 3/5 are equivalent. 

 

 

Let's think about those fractions and how their numerators and denominators are connected.

 

 

In this example, we can change 3/5 into 6/10 by multiplying the numerator and denominator by 2.

We can also change 6/10 into 3/5 by dividing the numerator and denominator by 2.

 

Notice that when the digits get larger, we multiply. 

When they get smaller, we divide. 

 

You must do the same thing to both the numerator and the denominator to make an equivalent fraction. 

 

Does that make sense?

 

 

Then let's have a go at some questions now.