Equivalent Fractions

Today we began looking at equivalent fractions. When 2 or more fractions represent the same number they are called equivalent fractions. We discussed that we can find equivalent fractions by multiplying the top and bottom number of the fraction by the same number. For example:

2/3 If I multiply the top and bottom by 2 I get 4/9. I can get even more equivalent fractions by multiplying by other numbers like 3 or 4...

I can also write equivalent fractions by simplifying fractions. When I simplify, I am dividing the top and bottom by any number that both numbers have in common (common factors). Here is an example.

18/24 I know that 18 and 24 have a 6 in common so I can divide the top and bottom by 6 giving me an answer of 3/4. If I couldn't think of 6 but only thought of 2 then I could divide by 2 and then try and simplify again until the fractions was in simplest form.

Next we discussed simplifying monomials. Here are the steps from class:

1. Factor top and bottom
2. Cross out all common factors
3. The answer is all factors left over on the top and the bottom (answer is a fraction)

Here is an example:

8x2y
6x2y2

Factored we get

2 * 2 * x * x * y
2 * 3 * x * x * y * y

After we cross out common factors we will notice that we are left with:

2
3 * y

So our answer is 2/3y.

Enjoy trick-or-treating. Let me know if you have questions.