Teaching Equivalent Fractions

When teaching equivalent fractions, math teachers usually talk about least common denominator or LCD. Using LCD is a good way of teaching equivalent fractions but in most cases, you can just skip thinking about LCD. Mathematics is about recognizing patterns and equivalent fractions are no different.

A math problem on equivalent fractions usually ask the student to find the missing numbers such as:

2 3

? 6

? 9

When faced with equivalent fractions such as the ones above, do the followings:

1. Start with the fraction that you know of both numerator (2) and denominator (3), in this case 2/3.
2. For ?/6, identify that it is the numerator that is missing. If the numerator is missing, then the denominator is not missing and we can work with.
3. Compare the two denominators (in this case 3 and 6)
4. Find a number such that when multiplied by 3 gives 6. The number is 2 (3 x 2 = 6)
5. Multiply the numerator by the same factor (2)

In this case, the fraction is 4/6.

Let's test the method of teaching equivalent fractions: with 2/3 and ?/9

1. start with the fraction you know both numerator and denomenator	2/3
2. What is missing?	numerator, so we work with the denominator
3. Compare denomenators	3 and 9
4. Find a factor such that when multiplied by 3 gives 9	Factor = 3
5 Multiply the numerator by the factor	2 x 3 = 6

So, the equivalent fractions are 2/3 and 6/9.