Equivalent Fractions (Visual)

Teaching Notes

Show that the 'amount of stuff' (shaded area) doesn't change, only the name (number of pieces) changes.

Vocabulary

Equivalent Fractions: Fractions that represent the same value.

Visual Model: A picture representing a math problem.

Common Mistakes

• Thinking more pieces means more amount.
• Not matching the whole size.
• Only changing numerator or denominator
• Not recognizing equal area/amount
• Confusing value with number of pieces
• Ignoring the visual representation

Differentiation

Discussion Questions

• Why is 2/4 the same as 1/2?
• Can we have 3/6 equal to 1/2?
• How do we know these fractions are equal?
• What happens to the number of pieces?
• What happens to the size of each piece?
• Can we find other fractions equal to this?

Extension Activities

• Paper folding to show equivalence.
• Fraction wall building.

Parent Tip

Use blocks or drawings to show how different fractions can be the same size.

Skill Cluster

Number Sense: Fractions

Estimated Time

15 minutes

Skills Practiced

Prerequisites

• Understanding Fractions as Parts of a Whole
• Identifying Simple Fractions

Next Steps

• Simplifying Fractions
• Comparing Fractions with Unlike Denominators
• Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Like Denominators
• Fractions on a Number Line
• Comparing Fractions