Equivalent fractions

This unit is for grade IV. In this unit we are going to define equivalent fractions. By Equivalent fractions we mean that the two fractions are equal if when we convert them to the lowest terms, results in  the same fraction. Let us take some example. If we want to check if 3/12 and 6/24 are equivalent fractions or not, then we first convert each of them in their lowest form, by dividing the numerator and the denominator by the same number,(  which is their GCF ). Now we check if the two resultant fractions are same, the given fractions (how to do fractions) are equivalent.
So we first find the GCF of (3 and 12 ), which is 3. Now in 3/12, we divide both numerator and the denominator by 3 and get
(3÷3) /( 12÷3)
= ¼
Now we take the fraction 6/24 and find the GCF of (6 and 24 ), which is 6. Now in 6/24, we divide both numerator and the denominator by 6 and get
(4÷4) /( 24÷6)
= ¼
Thus in both the cases, the result is ¼. Thus the two fractions are equivalent.
Now let us learn  How to find the equivalent fractions for the given fraction?
Let the given fraction is 3/5, we first multiply both the numerator and the denominator by  any number say 2, we get
= (3 * 2) / ( 5 * 2)
=6/10
In the same way  we go on multiplying the numerator and the denominator by the same number, we  will get the series of the equivalent fractions for the given fraction number. We proceed as follows :
= (3 * 3) / ( 5 * 3)
= 9/15
Or = (3 * 4) / ( 5 * 4)
= 12/20
So 6/10, 12/20,  . . . .  are all equivalent  fractions of  3/5

In upcoming posts we will discuss about Multiplication facts and tables and How to tackle Decimals and Percentage problems? Visit our website for information on syllabus of economics for ICSE class 12