Equivalent Fractions

Last week we learned how to find equivalent fractions without using a model. Most of the students were able to identify equivalent fractions by using a model like a fraction circle or a number line. I really like to try to emphasize the use of a number line when teaching fractions, because it helps students to better understand where a fraction might "fit" relative to whole numbers.

The big idea about equivalent fractions is that they are fractions that show the same amount, but broken up into different size pieces. We can find equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing by any fraction equal to 1 (eg. 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, etc).

Here is an anchor chart that can be used to explain how to find an equivalent fraction using multiplication or division to assist. We have looked at this in class, although many students are more comfortable using the "whatever I do to the bottom, I also have to do to the top" language to remember how to find equivalent fractions (see the bottom video). Either way is fine!



Also, we watched these videos to help us better understand fractions and how to find equivalent fractions.