Equivalent fractions are easy - just split the pieces! (Grade 5 math)

Equivalent fractions is an important topic in grade 5 math, because before you can learn to add unlike fractions, you have to know about equivalent fractions.

To SEE what equivalent fractions are all about simply split existing pieces into new ones in any visual model of a fraction. For example, if you have 4/5 and you split (cut) each of the 4 slices in 2, you will have 8 slices. Imagine also splitting the 5th uncolored part in two to see that now there are a total of 10 pieces instead of 5. So, 4/5 = 8/10.

This is really handy to show using an arrow notation (see the video). For example, the x4 next to the arrows signifies that the numerator and the denominator get multiplied by 4, because there are now four times as many colored pieces and four times as many pieces in total.

After practicing with visual models, students can go on to abstract problems.

[eb]

I just love I am a six grade teacher that teaches math to students with special needs and I can see how this will help them. Thank

[integralCalculus]

This is one of the best videos explaining equivalent fractions on the web. I'd been researching for a while now to introduce my six year old to equivalent fractions but got disappointed at the approaches described in most of the videos.
This one was really cool, especially the notation you have used avoiding the usual approach of multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the same number. The latter, as you correctly noted, is more mechanical and can be used for faster calculations, not for building the fundamental idea of equivalent fractions.

I've been watching your other videos (especially the one on modeling the distributive property of multiplication with areas of rectangles)with my kid for a while now, and have loved each one of them.
Please keep up the great work!

Best wishes along the way..

PS : I'm an software engineer by profession, and an IIT grad..So, I know quite a bit of math, but the right blend of simplicity and mathematical rigor you demonstrate in your approach is simply superb.

[shashikunigiri]

thx this helped me and I can do my math easily

[cluckytheeducky]

Question, how do we know what to multiply by?

[dukejohn]

Oh my goodness, i have always struggled with fractions, but this really REALLY helped. Thank you so much.

[hangingoffmyceilingfan]

School is hard. But it just got easier :).