Writing Equivalent Fractions Using the Least Common Denominator

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 106 views

Introduction

Fractions are a fundamental concept in mathematics, and understanding equivalent fractions is crucial for solving various mathematical problems. In this article, we will explore the concept of equivalent fractions, and we will learn how to write equivalent fractions for given fractions using the least common denominator (LCD).

What are Equivalent Fractions?

Equivalent fractions are fractions that have the same value, but with different numerators and denominators. In other words, two fractions are equivalent if they can be simplified to the same value. For example, the fractions $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{2}{4}$ are equivalent because they can be simplified to the same value.

Why is the Least Common Denominator (LCD) Important?

The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest common multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions. It is essential to find the LCD when writing equivalent fractions because it allows us to simplify fractions and make them easier to work with.

Finding the Least Common Denominator (LCD)

To find the LCD of two or more fractions, we need to list the multiples of each denominator and find the smallest common multiple. For example, to find the LCD of $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$ , we can list the multiples of 2 and 3 as follows:

Multiples of 2: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, ...
Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, ...

The smallest common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6, so the LCD of $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$ is 6.

Writing Equivalent Fractions Using the Least Common Denominator

Now that we have a good understanding of equivalent fractions and the least common denominator, let's learn how to write equivalent fractions for given fractions using the LCD.

Writing Equivalent Fractions for $\frac{9}{10}$

To write equivalent fractions for $\frac{9}{10}$ , we need to find the LCD of 10. The multiples of 10 are:

10, 20, 30, 40, 50, ...

The LCD of 10 is 10, so we can write equivalent fractions for $\frac{9}{10}$ as follows:

$\frac{9}{10} = \frac{9 \times 1}{10 \times 1} = \frac{9}{10}$
$\frac{9}{10} = \frac{9 \times 2}{10 \times 2} = \frac{18}{20}$
$\frac{9}{10} = \frac{9 \times 3}{10 \times 3} = \frac{27}{30}$
$\frac{9}{10} = \frac{9 \times 4}{10 \times 4} = \frac{36}{40}$
$\frac{9}{10} = \frac{9 \times 5}{10 \times 5} = \frac{45}{50}$

Writing Equivalent Fractions for $\frac{1}{14}$

To write equivalent fractions for $\frac{1}{14}$ , we need to find the LCD of 14. The multiples of 14 are:

14, 28, 42, 56, 70, ...

The LCD of 14 is 14, so we can write equivalent fractions for $\frac{1}{14}$ as follows:

$\frac{1}{14} = \frac{1 \times 1}{14 \times 1} = \frac{1}{14}$
$\frac{1}{14} = \frac{1 \times 2}{14 \times 2} = \frac{2}{28}$
$\frac{1}{14} = \frac{1 \times 3}{14 \times 3} = \frac{3}{42}$
$\frac{1}{14} = \frac{1 \times 4}{14 \times 4} = \frac{4}{56}$
$\frac{1}{14} = \frac{1 \times 5}{14 \times 5} = \frac{5}{70}$

Writing Equivalent Fractions for $\frac{5}{6}$

To write equivalent fractions for $\frac{5}{6}$ , we need to find the LCD of 6. The multiples of 6 are:

6, 12, 18, 24, 30, ...

The LCD of 6 is 6, so we can write equivalent fractions for $\frac{5}{6}$ as follows:

$\frac{5}{6} = \frac{5 \times 1}{6 \times 1} = \frac{5}{6}$
$\frac{5}{6} = \frac{5 \times 2}{6 \times 2} = \frac{10}{12}$
$\frac{5}{6} = \frac{5 \times 3}{6 \times 3} = \frac{15}{18}$
$\frac{5}{6} = \frac{5 \times 4}{6 \times 4} = \frac{20}{24}$
$\frac{5}{6} = \frac{5 \times 5}{6 \times 5} = \frac{25}{30}$

Conclusion

In this article, we have learned how to write equivalent fractions for given fractions using the least common denominator (LCD). We have also learned how to find the LCD of two or more fractions and how to use it to write equivalent fractions. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to write equivalent fractions for any given fraction.

Discussion Category: Mathematics

This article is part of the mathematics discussion category, which covers various topics related to mathematics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and more. If you have any questions or topics related to mathematics that you would like to discuss, please feel free to leave a comment below.

References

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Equivalent Fractions. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/pre-algebra/pre-algebra-equivalent-fractions
[2] Math Open Reference. (n.d.). Equivalent Fractions. Retrieved from https://www.mathopenref.com/equivalentfractions.html
[3] Purplemath. (n.d.). Equivalent Fractions. Retrieved from https://www.purplemath.com/modules/equival.htm
Equivalent Fractions Q&A ==========================

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the concept of equivalent fractions and learned how to write equivalent fractions for given fractions using the least common denominator (LCD). In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about equivalent fractions.

Q&A

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

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

Q: How do I find the least common denominator (LCD) of two or more fractions?

A: To find the LCD of two or more fractions, you need to list the multiples of each denominator and find the smallest common multiple. For example, to find the LCD of $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$ , you can list the multiples of 2 and 3 as follows:

Multiples of 2: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, ...
Multiples of 3: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, ...

The smallest common multiple of 2 and 3 is 6, so the LCD of $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{3}$ is 6.

Q: Can I simplify a fraction by finding its equivalent fraction?

A: Yes, you can simplify a fraction by finding its equivalent fraction. For example, to simplify the fraction $\frac{4}{8}$ , you can find its equivalent fraction by dividing both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). The GCD of 4 and 8 is 4, so you can simplify the fraction as follows:

$\frac{4}{8} = \frac{4 \div 4}{8 \div 4} = \frac{1}{2}$

Q: How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?

A: To convert a mixed number to an improper fraction, you need to multiply the whole number part by the denominator and add the numerator. For example, to convert the mixed number $2\frac{1}{2}$ to an improper fraction, you can multiply the whole number part by the denominator and add the numerator as follows:

$2\frac{1}{2} = 2 \times 2 + 1 = 5$

So, the improper fraction equivalent of $2\frac{1}{2}$ is $\frac{5}{2}$ .

Q: Can I add or subtract equivalent fractions?

A: Yes, you can add or subtract equivalent fractions. For example, to add the equivalent fractions $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{1}{2}$ , you can add the numerators and keep the denominator the same:

$\frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 + 1}{2} = \frac{2}{2} = 1$

Q: How do I compare equivalent fractions?

A: To compare equivalent fractions, you need to compare their numerators. For example, to compare the equivalent fractions $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{2}{4}$ , you can compare their numerators as follows:

$\frac{1}{2} = \frac{1 \times 2}{2 \times 2} = \frac{2}{4}$

Since the numerators are the same, the fractions are equal.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some frequently asked questions about equivalent fractions. We have also learned how to find the least common denominator (LCD) of two or more fractions, simplify fractions by finding their equivalent fractions, convert mixed numbers to improper fractions, add or subtract equivalent fractions, and compare equivalent fractions.

Discussion Category: Mathematics

References

[1] Khan Academy. (n.d.). Equivalent Fractions. Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/math/pre-algebra/pre-algebra-equivalent-fractions
[2] Math Open Reference. (n.d.). Equivalent Fractions. Retrieved from https://www.mathopenref.com/equivalentfractions.html
[3] Purplemath. (n.d.). Equivalent Fractions. Retrieved from https://www.purplemath.com/modules/equival.htm