Equivalent Fractions and Simplest Form (or Lowest Terms) Objective: Learn to identify and write equivalent fractions. Learn to write fractions in simplest form.

Mini-Lab Take a white paper and fold it in half. Shade half of the paper. How many sides are in total? How much is shaded? What is the fraction? ______________ Now, fold the same paper in 4 parts. How much is shaded our of the total amount of squares? ___________ Now, fold it again in 8 parts and then 16 parts. What fractions do you see? __________

In a fraction like: 3 4 In a fraction we know that the number on top is called the numerator. The bottom number is called the denominator. 3 numerator 4 denominator When 2 fractions represent the same quantity, they are equivalent.

To find Equivalent Fractions you can multiply or divide by any convenient number. For Example to find two equivalent fractions to 12 16 So, first we are going to multiply… 12 × 2 =24 16 × 2 =32 Then we will divide both numbers and get a smaller equivalent fraction. 12 ÷ 2 = 6 16 ÷ 2= 8 24 and 6 are equivalent to 12 32 8 16

Examples: Find 2 equivalent fractions (one smaller and one larger) for each fraction. 1. 6 9 2. 25 30 3. 10 12

Lowest Terms or Simplest Form: A fraction is in simplest form or lowest terms when 1 is the only common factor of the numerator and the denominator. For example: 8 ÷ 2 = 4 10 ÷ 2 = 5 10 ÷ 5= 2 15 ÷ 5= 3 Your Example: Express each fraction in lowest terms. 1. 5 = 2. 30 40 36

Homework: