4.NF.1: Equivalent Fractions

Visual Models for Equivalent Fractions

1. Fraction Strips

Create or print fraction strips that show different equivalent fractions. For example, show how 1/2 is the same amount as 2/4, 3/6, 4/8, etc. by coloring in the appropriate portions of each strip.

2. Area Models

Draw rectangles or circles divided into different numbers of equal parts. For example, draw a circle divided into 2 parts with 1 part shaded, and another circle divided into 4 parts with 2 parts shaded to show that 1/2 = 2/4.

3. Number Lines

Place equivalent fractions on the same point on a number line to visually show they have the same value. For example, mark 1/2, 2/4, and 3/6 at the same point on the number line.

Everyday Applications

1. Cooking and Recipes

Use measuring cups to show equivalent fractions. For example, show that 1/2 cup is the same as 2/4 cup by filling the 1/2 cup and pouring it into the 1/4 cup twice.

When doubling a recipe, discuss how the fractions change. For example, if a recipe calls for 1/3 cup of sugar, doubling it would require 2/3 cup.

2. Sharing Food

Cut food items (like pizza, sandwiches, or brownies) into different numbers of equal pieces to demonstrate equivalent fractions. For example, show that 1/2 of a pizza is the same amount as 2/4 or 3/6 of the same pizza.

3. Money

Use coins to represent fractions of a dollar. For example, 50 cents is 50/100 of a dollar, which is equivalent to 1/2 of a dollar. Similarly, 25 cents is 25/100 of a dollar, which is equivalent to 1/4 of a dollar.

When Your Child Struggles

1. Use Visual Models

If your child is having trouble understanding equivalent fractions conceptually, use visual models like fraction strips, area models, or number lines to show that equivalent fractions represent the same amount.

2. Focus on Multiplication

Help your child see the pattern of multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the same number. Start with simple fractions like 1/2 and show how multiplying both numbers by 2 gives 2/4, multiplying by 3 gives 3/6, etc.

3. Use Concrete Objects

Use physical objects like fraction tiles, Lego bricks, or paper folding to demonstrate equivalent fractions. For example, fold a paper in half and then in half again to show that 1/2 = 2/4.

4. Connect to Division

Show that you can also create equivalent fractions by dividing both the numerator and denominator by the same number (simplifying). For example, 6/8 ÷ 2/2 = 3/4.

5-Minute Activities

Activity 1: Equivalent Fraction Cards

Create a set of cards with various fractions. Have your child match equivalent fractions. For example, match 1/2 with 2/4, 3/6, 4/8, etc.

Activity 2: Multiplication Challenge

Give your child a fraction (like 2/3) and ask them to create three equivalent fractions by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the same number. For example, 2/3 = 4/6 = 6/9 = 8/12.

Activity 3: Fraction War

Play a card game where each player draws two cards to create a fraction (first card is numerator, second is denominator). Players then create an equivalent fraction for their original fraction. The player whose equivalent fraction has the larger denominator wins the round.

Mid-Year Expectations

By the middle of the school year, your child should be able to:

• Identify equivalent fractions using visual models
• Generate equivalent fractions by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number
• Explain why multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number creates an equivalent fraction
• Recognize common equivalent fractions (e.g., 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6)

End-of-Year Expectations

By the end of the school year, your child should be able to:

• Generate equivalent fractions without relying on visual models
• Simplify fractions to their lowest terms by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor
• Use equivalent fractions to compare fractions with different denominators
• Apply understanding of equivalent fractions to solve real-world problems

Signs of Mastery

Your child has mastered this standard when they can:

• Consistently generate equivalent fractions using multiplication or division
• Explain why equivalent fractions represent the same value
• Use visual models to demonstrate equivalent fractions
• Apply understanding of equivalent fractions to compare fractions with different denominators
• Recognize and generate equivalent fractions in real-world contexts
• Use precise mathematical language when discussing equivalent fractions

Questions to Check Understanding:

• "What fraction is equivalent to 2/3 if you multiply both the numerator and denominator by 4?"
• "How can you show that 3/4 and 6/8 are equivalent using a visual model?"
• "Why does multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the same number create an equivalent fraction?"
• "If you have 1/2 of a pizza and I have 3/6 of the same pizza, who has more? Why?"

Below Grade Level

For students who need additional support with basic fraction concepts and simple equivalent fractions.

📥 Download Practice Worksheet

At Grade Level

For students who need practice with grade-level equivalent fraction concepts.

📥 Download Grade Level Worksheet

Above Grade Level

For students ready for more challenging equivalent fraction concepts and applications.

📥 Download Challenge Worksheet