Understanding Equivalent Fractions in 3rd Grade Math

Equivalent fractions are fractions that represent the same value, despite having different numerators and denominators. These fractions are created by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same factor. This concept is introduced in the 3rd grade in the US Common Core curriculum, where students learn to explain equivalence of fractions, compare fractions, and understand fractions as equal parts.

Example: To find an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 21 for the fraction 3/5, we multiply both the numerator and denominator by 3:

(3/5) × (3/3) = (9/15)

So, 9/15 is an equivalent fraction to 3/5.

Equivalent fractions can be found by dividing or multiplying both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same number. This process allows us to represent the same value in different ways. For example, the equivalent fractions of 1/3 include 1/3, 2/6, 3/9, and so on, all of which simplify to 1/3 in the simplest form.

In summary, equivalent fractions are fractions that have the same value but different numerators and denominators. They are found by multiplying or dividing both the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same number. This concept is crucial for understanding the relationship between fractions and their equivalent representations.

Learn about equivalent fractions, which are fractions that represent the same value but have different numerators and denominators. Discover how to find equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing both numerator and denominator by the same number. This concept is part of the 3rd-grade curriculum in the US, focusing on explaining equivalence, comparing, and understanding fractions.