Equivalent fractions & simplifying

Two fractions can look different and still be the same amount. 1/2 and 2/4 are the same slice — just cut into a different number of pieces.

Making equivalent fractions

Multiply both the top and the bottom by the same number and the value doesn't change:

1/2 × 2/2 = 2/4, and 1/2 × 3/3 = 3/6

You're just cutting the same amount into more pieces.

Simplifying

Going the other way — dividing top and bottom by the same number — gives the simplest form: the smallest whole numbers that still name the fraction.

6/8: both divide by 2 → 3/4. Nothing divides 3 and 4 together, so 3/4 is as simple as it gets.

Always simplify your answer. 3/4 is easier to read and work with than 6/8 — even though they're exactly the same amount.