Equivalent fractions and comparing fractions: FAQ

Frequently asked questions about equivalent fractions and comparing fractions.

What are equivalent fractions?

Equivalent fractions are fractions that represent the same part of a whole, even though they look different. For example,

\frac{1}{2}

and

\frac{2}{4}

are equivalent fractions because they both represent half of a whole.

Try it yourself with this exercise:

Equivalent fractions

How can I use fraction models to find equivalent fractions?

You can use fraction models, like pie charts or bar models, to visually see how two fractions might be equivalent. For example, if you draw two pie charts and divide one in half and the other into four equal parts, you can see that

\frac{2}{8}

and

\frac{1}{4}

are equivalent.

\frac{2}{8} = \frac{1}{4}

Try it yourself with this exercise:

Equivalent fractions (fraction models)

How can I use number lines to find equivalent fractions?

You can use number lines to show how two fractions might be equivalent. For example, if you mark

\frac{1}{2}

and

\frac{4}{8}

on a number line, you'll see that they both land on the same spot.

Try it yourself with this exercise:

Equivalent fractions (number lines)

How can I compare fractions with unlike denominators?

To compare fractions with unlike denominators, you can either use a common denominator or use benchmarks.

Common denominators are when two or more fractions have the same denominator (the bottom number in a fraction). To use a common denominator, you can find equivalent fractions for both fractions so that they both have the same denominator.

Benchmarks are fractions that are commonly used to compare other fractions to. The most common benchmark fractions are

\frac{1}{4}

\frac{1}{2}

, and

\frac{3}{4}

. To use benchmarks, you can compare the fractions to a benchmark fraction, like

\frac{1}{2}

, to see which fraction is larger or smaller.

Try it yourself with these exercises:

Why is it important to learn about comparing fractions and equivalent fractions?

Comparing fractions and equivalent fractions are important skills for a few reasons. For one, they help you build a deeper understanding of what fractions represent and how they work. Additionally, knowing how to compare fractions and find equivalent fractions can be helpful in real life situations, such as when you're cooking or baking and need to measure out ingredients.

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4th grade

Course: 4th grade > Unit 7

What are equivalent fractions?

How can I use fraction models to find equivalent fractions?

How can I use number lines to find equivalent fractions?

How can I compare fractions with unlike denominators?

Why is it important to learn about comparing fractions and equivalent fractions?

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