Finding equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing both numerator and denominator by the same number.
Where your child meets this in real life: Recognising that ½ = 2/4 = 4/8 when measuring or comparing quantities
SEAGReady breaks find equivalent fractions into 2 steps, taught in order so each skill builds on the last.
Multiply both numerator and denominator by the same whole number to create equivalent fractions (e.g., 1/2 x 2/2 = 2/4)
Divide both numerator and denominator by a common factor to create equivalent fractions (e.g., 4/8 ÷ 2/2 = 2/4)
Three free sample questions from our find equivalent fractions course. Every question comes with a full explanation, and hints that guide without giving the answer away.
Aoife is learning about equivalent fractions. Her teacher asks: What fraction with denominator 8 is equal to 1/2?
Answer: A. 4/8
Find the multiplier: 2 times what equals 8? 2 x 4 = 8 Multiply both parts by 4: - Numerator: 1 x 4 = 4 - Denominator: 2 x 4 = 8 1/2 = 4/8
Stuck? Start here: What do you multiply 2 by to get 8?
Sophie notices that 4/8 might have a simpler equivalent. What is 4/8 equivalent to if you divide both parts by 2?
Answer: A. 2/4
Divide both parts by 2: - Numerator: 4 / 2 = 2 - Denominator: 8 / 2 = 4 4/8 = 2/4 Both fractions represent the same amount - half!
Stuck? Start here: What is 4 divided by 2?
Sean needs to write 1/3 with a denominator of 12. What is the equivalent fraction?
Answer: A. 4/12
Find the multiplier: 3 times what equals 12? 3 x 4 = 12 Multiply both parts by 4: - Numerator: 1 x 4 = 4 - Denominator: 3 x 4 = 12 1/3 = 4/12
Stuck? Start here: What number multiplied by 3 gives 12?
This is the exact interactive worked example your child sees in SEAGReady. Step through it and watch the method build up.
Caoilfhionn is comparing fractions. Her teacher says that 1/3 can be written with a denominator of 12.
What equivalent fraction has the same value as 1/3 but with 12 as the denominator?
1/3 = ?/12
Step 1 of 4
Caoilfhionn is comparing fractions. Her teacher says that 1/3 can be written with a denominator of 12.
What equivalent fraction has the same value as 1/3 but with 12 as the denominator?
1/3 is equivalent to 4/12. Both fractions represent the same amount.
The key insight: Whatever you do to the bottom, you must do to the top to keep the fraction equal!
Watch out: 1/3 = 1/12 (only changing the denominator). If you multiply only the bottom by 4, you change the fraction's value. Both parts must be multiplied by the same number.
These are the misconceptions we see most often in find equivalent fractions, including the ones our practice questions are specifically designed to catch.
Struggling with find equivalent fractions? The real gap is often in one of these earlier topics.
SEAGReady finds the exact step where your child gets stuck, teaches it with worked examples like the one above, and brings it back for review so it sticks.