Equivalent Fractions Games for Kids

What Are Equivalent Fractions?

Equivalent fractions are two or more fractions that have different numerical representations (appearance) due to different numerators and denominators, but they still represent the same value. Equivalent fractions have the same size. They are represented at the same position on a number line. If represented using a visual model, equivalent fractions represent the equal portion of the whole.

In other words, two or more fractions are said to be equivalent fractions if they are equal to the same fraction after we simplify them or reduce them to their lowest form. 

Example: The fractions \(\frac{1}{2},\; \frac{2}{4},\; \frac{4}{8}\), etc. are equivalent fractions. They look different but you can notice that the simplest form of all these fractions is \(\frac{1}{2}\). 

Using this trick, you can easily ace this equivalent fractions game online - Identify the Equivalent Models Game! Try it out and have fun practice!

Equivalent Fractions on a Number Line

When we plot fractions on a number line, equivalent fractions are plotted at the exact same place.

Observe the number line shown below. 

The fractions \(\frac{1}{3}\) and \(\frac{2}{6}\) are equivalent fractions. They are marked on the same position.

Similarly, the equivalent fractions \(\frac{2}{3}\) and \(\frac{4}{6}\) are represented at the same point.
 

 

How To Find Equivalent Fractions

Equivalent fractions can be obtained by multiplying or dividing both the numerator and denominator by the same non-zero number.

• Generating Equivalent Fractions by Multiplying both the Numerator and Denominator by the Same Non-zero Number: 

Let’s find the equivalent fractions of the fraction \(\frac{2}{3}\).

Let’s multiply both the Numerator and Denominator by 2.

\(\frac{2}{6}\; \times\; \frac{2}{2} = \frac{2 \;\times\; 2}{3 \; \times\;2} = \frac{4}{6}\)

Let’s multiply both the Numerator and Denominator by 3.

\(\frac{2}{3} \;\times\; \frac{3}{3} = \frac{2 \;\times\; 3}{3 \;\times\; 3} = \frac{6}{9}\)

Thus, \(\frac{2}{3}\), \(\frac{4}{6}\), and \(\frac{6}{4}\) are equivalent fractions. You can also generate more fractions equivalent to these set of fractions using the similar approach.

Similarly, observing the given visual representation, you can notice that

\(\frac{2}{4} = \frac{1}{2}\;\times\; \frac{2}{2} = \frac{1}{4} \;\times\; 2 = \frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{4}\)

\(\frac{4}{8} = \frac{1}{2} \;\times\; \frac{4}{4} = \frac{1}{8}\;\times\;4 = \frac{1}{8} + \frac{1}{8} + \frac{1}{8} + \frac{1}{8}\)
 

 

• Generating Equivalent Fractions by Dividing both the Numerator and Denominator by the Same Non-zero Number: 

Let’s find the equivalent fractions of the fraction \(\frac{15}{10}\).

Let’s multiply both the Numerator and Denominator by 5.

\(\frac{15}{10}\; \times \; \frac{5}{5} = \frac{15 \;\div\; 5}{10 \;\div\; 5} = \frac{3}{2}\)

Thus, \(\frac{15}{10}\) and \(\frac{3}{2}\) are equivalent fractions.

To learn more, check out this equivalent fractions online game - Find Equivalent Fractions Game and get more practice with fun-filled learning!

Comparing Fractions by Generating Equivalent Fractions

It is very easy to compare fractions with the same denominator. We just have to compare their numerators. For example, \(\frac{3}{8}\) < \(\frac{5}{8}\) since 3 < 5.

Visually, 5 parts out of 8 are clearly more than 3 parts out of 8.

 

 

Now, when it comes to comparing fractions with different denominators, we can take help from equivalent fractions. 

Example: Let’s compare \(\frac{4}{5}\)  and \(\frac{9}{10}\).

We will find the equivalent fraction of \(\frac{4}{5}\) which has the denominator 10, so that we can easily compare it with \(\frac{9}{10}\).

Multiply the numerator and the denominator of the first fraction by 2.

\(\frac{4}{5} \;\times\; \frac{2}{2} = \frac{8}{10}\)

As mentioned before, equivalent fractions may look different but they have the same value. 

So, \(\frac{4}{5}\) and \(\frac{8}{10}\) have the same value.

Now, comparing \(\frac{8}{10}\) and \(\frac{9}{10}\), we get

\(\frac{8}{10}\) < \(\frac{9}{10}\) since 8 < 9

Thus, \(\frac{4}{5}\) <  \(\frac{9}{10}\)

Explore Compare Fractions Games for practicing this concept with effective exercises!

How Identify Equivalent Fractions

 There are different ways to check if given fractions are equivalent or not.

• Make Denominators the Same: Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators, then multiply each fraction to have the same denominator. Compare the numerators to see if they're equal.

Example: \(\frac{6}{14}\) and \(\frac{15}{35}\)

LCM(14, 35) = 70

\(\frac{6}{14} = \frac{6}{14} \;\times\; \frac{5}{5} = \frac{30}{70}\)

\(\frac{15}{35} = \frac{15}{35} \;\times\; \frac{2}{2} = \frac{30}{70}\)

Numerators are equal, 30. So, \(\frac{6}{14}\) and \(\frac{15}{35}\) are equivalent.

• Decimal Form: Convert fractions to decimals. If the decimal forms are the same, the fractions are equivalent.

Example: \(\frac{1}{2}\) and \(\frac{5}{10}\) are equivalent since \(\frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{10} = 0.5\).

• Cross Multiplication: Multiply the fractions. If the products are equal, the fractions are equivalent.

Example: \(\frac{1}{2}\) and \(\frac{5}{10}\) are equivalent since \(10 \;\times\; 1 = 5\;\times\;2 = 10\)

• Visual Method: Use shapes to represent fractions. Check if the shaded areas are equal in equivalent fractions.

Example: The fractions \(\frac{1}{2}\), \(\frac{2}{4}\), \(\frac{4}{8}\) correspond to the half portion of the whole circle.
 

 

• Simplify to Lowest Form: Reduce both fractions to their lowest terms. If they simplify to the same fraction, they are equivalent.

Example: The simplest form of \(\frac{25}{100}\) is \(\frac{1}{4}\). The simplest form of \(\frac{5}{20}\) is \(\frac{1}{4}\). Thus, \(\frac{25}{100}\) and \(\frac{5}{20}\) are equivalent.

Progression of Equivalent Fractions Concepts with Grades
 

Grade 3	• Introduction to simple fractions with denominators 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 using visuals and number lines.  • Learning about the concept of equivalent fractions  • Understanding of fractions as the summation of unit fractions.  • Identification of equivalent fractions with the same size.
Grade 4	• Advancement to more complex fractions.  • Introduction to generating equivalent fractions through multiplication of numerator and denominator by the same number.  • Addition and subtraction of fractions by making them equivalent fractions. • Introduction to mixed numbers, addition/subtraction of like denominators, multiplication of fraction by a whole number, and converting fractions to decimals.
Grade 5	• Utilization of equivalent fractions to add and subtract fractions with different denominators.  • Strategy for adding fractions by finding a common denominator and rewriting fractions with equivalent denominators.

 

How Can Children Use the Concept of Equivalent Fractions in Real Life?

Equivalent fractions have tons of applications in daily life. Here are a few examples where kids can use equivalent fractions.

• Sharing Pizza Treats: When dividing pizza treats among friends, understanding equivalent fractions helps ensure fairness. For example, using equivalent fractions kids can understand that having 2 slices out of 8 equal slices is same as eating 1 slice out of 4 equal slices, since \(\frac{2}{8}\) is equivalent to \(\frac{1}{4}\).
• Crafting and DIY Projects: Kids can use equivalent fractions to resize craft patterns or drawings. If a pattern needs to be enlarged, they can multiply both the width and height by the same factor to maintain proportions.
• Recipes Servings: Kids can understand and enjoy simple cooking activities. If a recipe calls for \(\frac{1}{2}\) cup of flour and you want to double it, you'll need 1 cup, which is equivalent to \(\frac{2}{2}\) or a whole cup.
• Saving Money: When comparing prices, kids can use equivalent fractions to find better deals. For instance, if a larger box of cereal costs $4 for 20 oz and a smaller box costs $2 for 10 oz, they can see that both options cost the same per ounce (equivalent fractions).

Importance of Introducing Equivalent Fractions to Kids through Online Games

Equivalent fractions require an intuitive understanding, often best acquired through visual approaches. Online math games for equivalent fractions concepts offer a platform where kids can grasp these concepts intuitively, using interactive visuals for a deeper understanding.

• Interactive Learning: Online equivalent fractions games offer an engaging and interactive way for kids to understand equivalent fractions. It is easy to convey concepts like finding equivalent fractions, or the fact that they have the same size using colorful visuals and engaging characters.
• Visual Representation: Through visual models like bar charts, number lines, circle fractions, online equivalent fractions games help kids visualize equivalent fractions and their relationships.
• Progressive Difficulty: Games provide levels of increasing complexity, allowing kids to gradually grasp more advanced concepts like comparing fractions using equivalent fractions, adding-subtracting fractions using equivalent fractions, etc.

Equivalent Fractions Math Games vs. Traditional Method

• Fun introduction to the important topic: Kids find fraction concepts comparatively challenging. Introducing equivalent fractions alongside other fraction concepts is essential to build a clear understanding and prevent confusion. Traditional methods can sometimes create fear around these complex ideas, but equivalent fractions online games provide a more enjoyable and engaging learning experience..
• Hands-on practice and engaging exercises: When kids try to learn equivalent fractions solely by reading questions and solving them in their notebooks, they often lose focus and find the topic boring and challenging due to their age. However, online games make practicing enjoyable through interactive gameplay. 
• Effective visuals: Complex concepts like equivalent fractions are most effectively taught using visual tools such as number lines, fraction bars, and circle fractions. With online games, these virtual math aids are readily available, allowing kids to easily visualize and comprehend equivalent fractions.

What Are 5 Best Fun Equivalent Fractions Games and Activities for Kids?

Here are a few amazing equivalent fractions games online and activities by SplashLearn:

• Generate Equivalent Fractions Game
• Recognize Equivalent Fractions Game
• Match Equivalent Fractions Game
• Generate Equivalent Fractions on Number Line Game
• Are the Fractions Equivalent? Game