What Is an Equivalent Fraction?

Are your students asking questions such as this in your math class? If this is your first time teaching this concept or many you are in need of a refresher, let’s take a quick look at the meaning of equivalent fractions.

Equivalent fractions represent the same quantity but are written using different numerators and denominators. They have the same value, even though they look different.

To find equivalent fractions, you can multiply or divide both the numerator and the denominator by the same number. For example, 1/2 is equivalent to 2/4 because if you multiply the numerator and denominator of 1/2 by 2, you get 2/4.

You can also simplify fractions to find their equivalent forms. For example, 4/8 can be simplified to 1/2 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 4.

For students just learning about equivalent fractions, teaching them how to use a fraction chart (or fraction wall) to find equivalent fractions may be helpful. 

Looking for Equivalent Fraction Worksheets?

Teach Starter has created a printable worksheet to help your 3rd and 4th-grade students with this important math skill. This resource includes 3 equivalent fraction charts, one completely filled out, one where students write the fractions inside the strip diagram, and one where students write the fractions in the diagram as well as the word names for each row. There are 3 versions of a 2-page worksheet. The stars indicate the difficulty level of the worksheet at the top right of the worksheet.

Teachers can have students complete the equivalent fraction wall first. Review with students how to use this resource to compare fractions and determine equivalency. Then, assign the differentiated worksheet based on the needs of the learners.

An answer key is included with your download to make grading fast and easy!  

Differentiated Worksheets for the Win

An extension is built in with the 3-star worksheet for students needing a challenge. This one is more difficult and will provide a good challenge for students. You could also have students complete all 3, starting with the first level and working their way up. Additionally, encourage students to create their own equivalent fraction wall on a large sheet of anchor chart paper. Challenge them to include other denominators beyond those on their handout.

Scaffolding is built-in since the worksheet has differentiated levels. Start with the 1-star worksheet for students beginning with this concept. Provide physical manipulatives such as fraction tiles to assist students. Help them line up their equivalent fractions on the chart using a ruler or the edge of a paper to help them check which fractions are equal in size.

Easily Download & Print

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. 

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, make photocopies of the blank worksheet for students to complete. 

To save paper, we suggest printing this 2-page worksheet double-sided.

Turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity by printing on cardstock and slipping it into a dry-erase sleeve. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them. 

Additionally, project the worksheet onto a screen and work through it as a class by having students record their answers in their notebooks. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities to shorten your lesson planning time:

teaching resource

Equivalent Fractions - Cookie Jar Sorting Activity

Review equivalent fractions with this whole-class sorting activity that gets students moving and simplifying!

teaching resource

Equivalent Fraction Wall - Poster

Guide students to develop an understanding of fractions with the same value by using an equivalent fractions chart in your classroom.

teaching resource

3rd Grade Fractions – Math Assessment

Assess student understanding of fractions on a number line, comparing fractions, equivalent fractions, and more with this math test for 3rd grade.