Equivalent fractions are fractions that are equal in size, even though they have different numerators and denominators.
If the denominator is exactly double the numerator, then the fraction is equivalent to one half.
If the denominator is exactly three times the numerator, then the fraction is equivalent to one third.
If the denominator is exactly four times the numerator, then the fraction is equivalent to one quarter.
To find an equivalent fraction of a given fraction, you need to multiply or divide the numerator and denominator by the same number.
1. In this missing number question, we have a missing numerator.
2. Look at the denominators. What would you multiply the first denominator by to make it equal the second denominator?
In this case, 8 x 2 = 16.
3. To find the missing number, we now need to multiply the numerator of the first number by 2.
In this case, 2 x 2 = 4.
The missing numerator is 4.
1. In this missing number question, we have a missing denominator.
2. Look at the numerators. What would you divide the first numerator by to make it equal the second numerator?
In this case, 12 ÷ 4 = 3.
3. To find the missing number, we now need to divide the denominator of the first number by 4.
In this case, 20 ÷ 4 = 5.
The missing denominator is 5.
In the National Curriculum, equivalent fractions are first introduced in Year 3. Here are the objectives for KS2, taken from the Number - Fractions strand:
If you are looking for ready-to-teach lessons that cover this objective, you might be interested in our Finding Fractions scheme, or our Fractions in Action scheme for Year 3.
If you are looking for ready-to-teach lessons that cover this objective, you might be interested in our Fractions and Time scheme, or our Proportion Problems scheme for Year 4.
If you are looking for ready-to-teach lessons that cover this objective, you might be interested in our Fractions and Proportion scheme, or our Decimals and Fractions scheme for Year 5.
If you are looking for ready-to-teach lessons that cover this objective, you might be interested in our Calculating Fractions and Decimals scheme for Year 6.
