All fractions are masters
of disguise. For example, 4/6, 6/8 and 8/12 are all
costumes in 2/3's closet and 2/3 can wear anyone of
them at any time.
What makes that
possible? Their
shaded ID parts are exactly the same which means they
are equivalent. Every group of equivalent fractions is
named after its “simplest” (in lowest terms) fraction.
In this case, that fraction is 2/3. So 2/3 heads up the
2/3 group of costumes!
Every unique fraction in Fractionville can take on
many equivalent forms. In fact, there are so many that you
can’t count them all! Another way to think about
equivalent fractions is as “clones” of each
other. You can clone any fraction by multiplying or
dividing BOTH the numerator (top number) and the
denominator (bottom number) by the same number. For example, 2/3
and 4/6 are clones. Why? Because if you multiply the top
and bottom numbers of 2/3 by 2 you get 4/6. And we know
from watching the movie that 4/6 is the same as the
fugitive 2/3.
For example, to clone 3/5 so it becomes 12/20, what should
you multiply the numerator and denominator by? You got it,
the number is 4. Do you see how that works? You can also
use division to “clone
down” which
reduces the fraction. If you divide both numerator and
denominator of 4/6 by 2 you get an equivalent fraction,
2/3. Amazing.
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