Hi friend! Today we will learn how different fractions can show the same amount.
Equivalent fractions are fractions that name the exact same amount. When we subdivide a shape into smaller pieces, the amount of space stays the same. The prefix sub- means under or smaller, so to subdivide means to divide into smaller parts.
Look at a strip that shows one half. If we subdivide each piece into two smaller parts, we get two fourths. Both strips show equality because their shaded parts are equal.
Do not make a misstep when looking at fractions! The prefix mis- means wrong. Having more pieces does not mean you have more total food if the size of each piece is smaller.
✏️ Worked example
Determine if 1/2 is equivalent to 2/4. Explain using the word subdivide.
Start with a rectangle split into 2 equal parts. Shade 1 part to show 1/2.
Subdivide each of the 2 parts into 2 smaller equal pieces. The root word divide means to separate, and sub- means smaller.
Count all the new pieces. There are now 4 equal parts in total.
Count the shaded pieces. There are 2 shaded pieces out of 4 total pieces, which is 2/4.
Notice the shaded area is still the same size. So, 1/2 equals 2/4!
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