Teaching article
Equivalent fractions: match the amount before the labels
Compare portions of the same-sized whole before drawing conclusions from the labels.
Different partitions can represent the same share of an unchanged whole. Overlay or align the models so the equivalence can be demonstrated, rather than relying only on a rule applied to written numerators and denominators.
Compare quantities referring to the same whole. Different-looking partitions can represent equal fractions when the relationship is demonstrated.
Shade one of two equal parts. Shade two of four equal parts. Align the represented portions.
Keep the reference whole unchanged
One half and two quarters cover the same amount when the starting rectangles are equal.
Different-sized wholes make the comparison ambiguous.
Why do these two representations match? Use pre-cut overlays instead of precise drawing.
Resources
- Maths Puzzle Generator — Choose arithmetic or missing-number questions only when they match the number relationship being explored.
Further reading
Read next
- Put a fraction on a line with zero and one
- Before and after: locate the reference number first
- Counting on without losing track of the added amount
Explore Number, operations and fractions. Browse all teaching articles.