Equivalent & Simplified Fractions (Edexcel IGCSE Maths)

Equivalent Fractions

Spec point — 1.2A

What are equivalent fractions?

• Equivalent fractions are two fractions that represent the same amount

  • They are different ways of writing the same thing
  • For example, $\frac{1}{2}$ and $\frac{6}{12}$ are equivalent fractions

How do I find an equivalent fraction?

• To find an equivalent fraction, multiply the top and bottom of a fraction by the same number

  • $\frac{5}{6}$ is equivalent to $\frac{5\times2}{6\times2}=\frac{10}{12}$ and $\frac{5\times3}{6\times3}=\frac{15}{18}$ and $\frac{5\times4}{6\times4}=\frac{20}{24}$etc.
  • For each fraction, there are an infinite number of equivalent fractions

Simplifying Fractions

Spec point — 1.2A

What is a simplified fraction?

• A simplified fraction is a fraction that is written using the smallest possible integer values

  • Simplifying turns a fraction into an 'easier' equivalent fraction

• If both the numerator and denominator can be divided by the same number (called a common factor), the fraction can be simplified

• Simplifying is also called cancelling a fraction

How do I simplify fractions?

• To simplify the fraction,divide the top and bottom by the common factor

• $\frac{12}{18}=\frac{12\div6}{18\div6}=\frac{2}{3}$

• $\frac{25}{45}=\frac{25\div5}{45\div5}=\frac{5}{9}$

Exam Hint

• Make use of your calculator

  • Type any fraction into it and pressing equals will automatically simplify the fraction for you