Equivalent fractions

Equivalent fractions are the same amount written differently, like 1/2 = 2/4 = 50/100. Multiply or divide the top and bottom by the same number. Simplifying means dividing both by their highest common factor.

Key facts

  • Do the same to the top and the bottom.
  • Simplest form: the top and bottom share no common factor except 1.
  • To compare fractions, make the bottoms (denominators) the same.

Worked examples

Example 1

Simplify 18/24.

  1. The HCF of 18 and 24 is 6. 18 ÷ 6 = 3, 24 ÷ 6 = 4
  2. So 18/24 = 3/4

Answer: 3/4

Example 2

Which is bigger, 2/3 or 5/8?

  1. 24 is a multiple of 3 and 8. 2/3 = 16/24, 5/8 = 15/24
  2. 16 is more than 15. 16/24 > 15/24, so 2/3 > 5/8

Answer: 2/3