Criteria for Determining Equivalent Fractions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 133 views

Introduction

Fractions are a fundamental concept in mathematics, representing a part of a whole. Equivalent fractions are fractions that have the same value, even if their numerators and denominators are different. In this article, we will explore the concept of equivalent fractions, discuss the criteria for determining equivalent fractions, and examine the given pairs to identify which pair consists of equivalent fractions.

What are Equivalent Fractions?

Equivalent fractions are fractions that have the same value, but may have different numerators and denominators. For example, the fractions $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{2}{4}$ are equivalent because they represent the same part of a whole. To determine if two fractions are equivalent, we can use the following criteria:

The fractions must have the same numerator and denominator, or
The fractions must have different numerators and denominators, but the ratio of the numerator to the denominator is the same.

Criteria for Determining Equivalent Fractions

To determine if two fractions are equivalent, we can use the following criteria:

Cross-multiplication: Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction, and multiply the numerator of the second fraction by the denominator of the first fraction. If the products are equal, then the fractions are equivalent.
Simplification: Simplify both fractions by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). If the simplified fractions are equal, then the original fractions are equivalent.
Ratio: Compare the ratio of the numerator to the denominator of both fractions. If the ratios are equal, then the fractions are equivalent.

Analyzing the Given Pairs

Now that we have discussed the concept of equivalent fractions and the criteria for determining equivalent fractions, let's analyze the given pairs:

A. $\frac{4}{6}$ and $\frac{3}{5}$

To determine if these fractions are equivalent, we can use cross-multiplication:

$\frac{4}{6} = \frac{4 \times 5}{6 \times 5} = \frac{20}{30}$

$\frac{3}{5} = \frac{3 \times 6}{5 \times 6} = \frac{18}{30}$

Since the products are not equal, the fractions $\frac{4}{6}$ and $\frac{3}{5}$ are not equivalent.

B. $\frac{18}{48}$ and $\frac{15}{40}$

To determine if these fractions are equivalent, we can use cross-multiplication:

$\frac{18}{48} = \frac{18 \times 40}{48 \times 40} = \frac{720}{1920}$

$\frac{15}{40} = \frac{15 \times 48}{40 \times 48} = \frac{720}{1920}$

Since the products are equal, the fractions $\frac{18}{48}$ and $\frac{15}{40}$ are equivalent.

C. $\frac{7}{10}$ and $\frac{10}{7}$

To determine if these fractions are equivalent, we can use cross-multiplication:

$\frac{7}{10} = \frac{7 \times 7}{10 \times 7} = \frac{49}{70}$

$\frac{10}{7} = \frac{10 \times 10}{7 \times 10} = \frac{100}{70}$

Since the products are not equal, the fractions $\frac{7}{10}$ and $\frac{10}{7}$ are not equivalent.

D. $\frac{9}{16}$

This fraction is not paired with another fraction, so we cannot determine if it is equivalent to another fraction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pair of equivalent fractions is $\frac{18}{48}$ and $\frac{15}{40}$ . These fractions have the same value, even though their numerators and denominators are different. To determine if two fractions are equivalent, we can use the criteria of cross-multiplication, simplification, or comparing the ratio of the numerator to the denominator.

Final Answer

Introduction

Equivalent fractions are a fundamental concept in mathematics, representing a part of a whole. In our previous article, we discussed the concept of equivalent fractions, the criteria for determining equivalent fractions, and analyzed the given pairs to identify which pair consists of equivalent fractions. In this article, we will address some frequently asked questions about equivalent fractions.

Q&A

Q: What is the difference between equivalent fractions and similar fractions?

A: Equivalent fractions have the same value, but may have different numerators and denominators. Similar fractions, on the other hand, have the same numerator and denominator, but may have different values.

Q: How do I determine if two fractions are equivalent?

A: To determine if two fractions are equivalent, you can use the following criteria:

Cross-multiplication: Multiply the numerator of the first fraction by the denominator of the second fraction, and multiply the numerator of the second fraction by the denominator of the first fraction. If the products are equal, then the fractions are equivalent.
Simplification: Simplify both fractions by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). If the simplified fractions are equal, then the original fractions are equivalent.
Ratio: Compare the ratio of the numerator to the denominator of both fractions. If the ratios are equal, then the fractions are equivalent.

Q: Can equivalent fractions have different denominators?

A: Yes, equivalent fractions can have different denominators. For example, the fractions $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{2}{4}$ are equivalent, even though they have different denominators.

Q: Can equivalent fractions have different numerators?

A: Yes, equivalent fractions can have different numerators. For example, the fractions $\frac{2}{4}$ and $\frac{3}{6}$ are equivalent, even though they have different numerators.

Q: How do I simplify equivalent fractions?

A: To simplify equivalent fractions, you can divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, the fraction $\frac{6}{12}$ can be simplified by dividing both the numerator and denominator by 6, resulting in the simplified fraction $\frac{1}{2}$ .

Q: Can equivalent fractions be expressed as decimals?

A: Yes, equivalent fractions can be expressed as decimals. For example, the fraction $\frac{1}{2}$ can be expressed as the decimal 0.5.

Q: Can equivalent fractions be expressed as percentages?

A: Yes, equivalent fractions can be expressed as percentages. For example, the fraction $\frac{1}{2}$ can be expressed as the percentage 50%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, equivalent fractions are a fundamental concept in mathematics, representing a part of a whole. By understanding the criteria for determining equivalent fractions and being able to simplify and express equivalent fractions in different forms, you can better understand and work with equivalent fractions.

Final Answer

The final answer is that equivalent fractions can have different denominators and numerators, and can be expressed as decimals and percentages.