Equivalent Fractions: Why 1/2, 2/4, and 4/8 Are Equal
Discover how multiplying or dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number creates equal fraction values without changing their size.
Interactive Visual Math Explorer Explore Pizza & Fractions
Slice the pizza or slide the fraction bar to observe how fractions, decimals, and percentages relate in real time:
Interactive Visual Explorer
Visual Proof: 2/4 is Exactly Half a Pizza
Try:
Fraction Wall Proof: The Red Dashed Line Shows 1/2, 2/4, and 4/8 Cover the Exact Same Length
The Golden Rule of Equivalent Fractions
The Golden Rule of Equivalence
a × nb × n
=
ab
and
a ÷ nb ÷ n
=
ab
Whatever you multiply or divide the top by, you MUST do the exact same to the bottom! Because nn = 1, you are simply multiplying by 1 in disguise.
Equivalent Fractions Family Chart
| Base Fraction | × 2 | × 3 | × 4 | × 5 | Decimal Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 2/4 | 3/6 | 4/8 | 5/10 | 0.50 |
| 1/3 | 2/6 | 3/9 | 4/12 | 5/15 | 0.333… |
| 1/4 | 2/8 | 3/12 | 4/16 | 5/20 | 0.25 |
| 2/5 | 4/10 | 6/15 | 8/20 | 10/25 | 0.40 |
| 3/4 | 6/8 | 9/12 | 12/16 | 15/20 | 0.75 |
Try It Yourself
Open Simplify Fractions Calculator →Practice with Our Interactive Simplify Fractions Calculator
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Your Turn!
Score: 0 / 3Check Your Understanding (3 Quick Questions)
Question 1: Which fraction is equivalent to 3/5?
Question 2: The Golden Rule of Fractions states:
Question 3: Complete the equivalent fraction: 2/7 = ?/28
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