Guide
What Are Equivalent Fractions?
Two fractions can look completely different and still be exactly the same amount — those are equivalent fractions.
Two fractions can look completely different and still be exactly the same amount — those are equivalent fractions.
What equivalent fractions are
Equivalent fractions are fractions that have the same value even though their numerators and denominators are different. For example, 1/2, 2/4, 3/6 and 50/100 all represent the same amount — one half.
How to find equivalent fractions
Multiply (or divide) the numerator and denominator by the same non-zero number. Multiplying 1/2 by 2/2 gives 2/4; by 3/3 gives 3/6. Because you change top and bottom equally, the value stays the same.
Why equivalent fractions matter
They are the key to adding and subtracting fractions: you rewrite unlike fractions as equivalent ones with a common denominator. They also let you simplify fractions to lowest terms.
Checking if two fractions are equivalent
Cross-multiply: 2/3 and 4/6 are equivalent because 2 x 6 = 12 and 3 x 4 = 12. If the cross-products match, the fractions are equal.
Related tools & guides
Frequently asked
What does equivalent fraction mean?
It means two fractions that have the same value despite having different numerators and denominators, like 1/2 and 2/4.
How do you find an equivalent fraction?
Multiply or divide both the numerator and denominator by the same non-zero number.
Are 2/3 and 4/6 equivalent?
Yes. Multiplying 2/3 by 2/2 gives 4/6, and cross-multiplying confirms 2 x 6 = 3 x 4 = 12.