1. Equivalent Fractions
Scott Foresman 7.7

2. Vocabulary
Equivalent fractions are fractions that name the same amount. 2 4 = 8 4

3. Creating Equivalent Fractions
Multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number.
Divide the numerator and denominator by the same number (it has to be a common factor to work with division)
We can choose any number to multiply by. Let’s multiply by 2. 3
x 2 6
So, 3/5 is equivalent to 6/10. = 5
x 2 10

4. If you have larger numbers, you can make equivalent fractions using division. Divide by a common factor. 4 28
÷ 7
In this example, we can divide both numbers by 7. =
÷ 7 5 35
28/35 is equivalent to 4/5.

5. Fractions in Simplest Form
Fractions are in simplest form when the numerator and denominator do not have any common factors besides 1.
Examples of fractions that are in simplest form: 4 2 3 8 5 11

6. Writing Fractions in Simplest Form.
Find the greatest common factor (GCF) of the numerator and denominator.
Divide both numbers by the GCF.

7. Example: 5 20
÷ 4 =
Simplest Form 7 28
÷ 4
20: 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20 20 28
28: 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 28
1 x 20
2 x 10
4 x 5
1 x 28
2 x 14
4 x 7
Common Factors: 1, 2, 4
GCF: 4
We will divide by 4.