Equivalent Fractions for Kids: Same Amount, Different Names (Grade 3 Math)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Today we are learning about equivalent fractions. Equivalent fractions look different, but they show exactly the same amount. They are like two names for the same thing.

Look at these three bars. The first is cut into two parts, with one part shaded. The second is cut into four parts, with two shaded. The third has eight parts, with four shaded. The shaded amounts are all the same.

So one half, two fourths and four eighths are equivalent. When we cut the same whole into more pieces, each piece gets smaller, but we need more of them to cover the same amount.

To make an equivalent fraction, multiply the top and the bottom by the same number. Two thirds times two over two is four sixths. So two thirds and four sixths are equivalent.

We can also go the other way. Divide the top and the bottom by the same number to simplify. Six eighths divided by two over two is three fourths. Three fourths is the simplest name.

Be careful! Adding the same number to the top and bottom does not work. One half plus one on top and bottom gives two thirds, and two thirds is bigger than one half. Always multiply or divide.

Now it's your turn. Three fifths is equal to how many tenths? Pause and try. Five times two is ten, so multiply the top by two as well. Three times two is six. Three fifths equals six tenths.

Great job! Remember, equivalent fractions show the same amount. Multiply or divide the top and bottom by the same number to find one. Never add! Practice fractions in the Math Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!