Comparisons using equivalent fractions

You may have already learned about comparing fractions using area models.

Now we will look at using equivalent fractions to compare the value of fractions.

Equivalent fractions are fractions that look different, but have the same value. Such as, $\frac{1}{2}$12​ and $\frac{2}{4}$24​

As you can see in the diagrams, they have the same value, but look different.

$\frac{1}{2}$12​ and $\frac{2}{4}$24​

Equivalent fractions are useful to be sure of the value compared to other fractions, so we can work out which fraction is bigger or smaller.

Watch this video to look at comparing fractions using equivalent fractions.

To compare fractions we need to think of their number family to help change them into an equal number of pieces. A number family is three numbers that fit together to make facts using multiplication, for example, $5$5, $2$2 and $10$10 because $5\times2=10$5×2=10.

Using this fact, we can make:

• fifths into tenths

by splitting each fifth into two equal parts

or

• halves into tenths

by splitting each half into five equal parts.

Worked Examples

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3