Equality of Fractions (Equivalent Fractions)
Big Idea
Different fractions can represent the same amount! These are called equal fractions or equivalent fractions.
1. What Are Equal Fractions?
Equal fractions (also called equivalent fractions) are different fractions that represent the same value.
Example:
These fractions all equal the same amount:
1/2 2/4 3/6 4/8
They look different but have equal value!
Interactive visualization — available in the full lesson
2. Visual Proof of Equal Fractions
Let's prove that 1/2 = 2/4 using rectangles:
Interactive visualization — available in the full lesson
Key Observation: Both rectangles have the same amount shaded, even though they are divided into different numbers of parts!