Arithmetic Grade Four

Lesson Sixty-four: Equivalent Fractions

Equivalent Fractions
Here's a list of fractions which are equivalent to three-fourths.


In this lesson we will discuss how to solve problems that look like this: 


          2     ?
         --- = ---
          3     6
Basically this problem tells you to find a numerator for the second fraction which will make the two fractions equivalent. You could read the problem like this: "Two over three equals what number over 6."

Here's the answer: 


          2     4
         --- = ---
          3     6
You should notice that if you multiply both the top and bottom numbers of the first fraction (on the left) by two, that you will wind up with the top and bottom numbers of the second fraction (on the right).

Here's another example for you to study: 


          3     ?
         --- = ----
          4     12
To solve this problem do the following:
  1. divide the second denominator by the first (12/4 = 3)
  2. multiply the first numerator by your answer from step one ( 3 x 3 = 9)
And that's the answer: 

          3     9
         --- = ----
          4     12
Here's one more example for you to try out: 

          4     ?
         --- = ----
          5     15
To solve this problem do the following:
  1. divide the second denominator by the first (15/5 = 3)
  2. multiply the first numerator by your answer from step one ( 4 x 3 = 12)
And that's the answer: 

          4     12
         --- = ----
          5     15
On the next page you will be asked to find the missing numerators.

Click here to go to next page