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what property of multiplication is used to find equivalent fractions

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Two fractions are equivalent if they have the aforementioned value. Knowing how to convert a fraction into an equivalent one is an essential math skill that's necessary for everything from basic algebra to advanced calculus. This article will cover several ways to calculate equivalent fractions from basic multiplication and segmentation to more complex methods for solving equivalent fraction equations.

  1. ane

    Multiply the numerator and denominator by the same number. 2 fractions that are different just equivalent have, by definition, numerators and denominators that are multiples of each other. In other words, multiplying the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the same number volition produce an equivalent fraction. Though the numbers in the new fraction volition exist different, the fractions will have the same value.

    • For example, if we take the fraction 4/8 and multiply both the numerator and denominator by 2, we get (4×2)/(8×2) = viii/16. These ii fractions are equivalent.
    • (four×2)/(eight×2) is essentially the same as 4/8 × 2/ii Remember that when multiplying two fractions, we multiply across, significant numerator to numerator and denominator to denominator.
    • Find that 2/2 equals 1 when y'all carry out the partitioning. Thus, information technology'south easy to see why 4/8 and 8/16 are equivalent since multiplying 4/8 × (2/2) = 4/8 still. The same manner it's off-white to say that four/8 = 8/xvi.
    • Whatsoever given fraction has an infinite number of equivalent fractions. You tin can multiply the numerator and denominator past any whole number, no thing how large or pocket-sized to obtain an equivalent fraction.
  2. 2

    Divide the numerator and denominator past the same number. Similar multiplication, division can also be used to find a new fraction that's equivalent to your starting fraction. But split up the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by the same number to obtain an equivalent fraction. There is 1 caveat to this procedure--the resulting fraction must accept whole numbers in both the numerator and denominator to be valid.

    • For instance, let's look at 4/8 again. If, instead of multiplying, we divide both the numerator and denominator by ii, we become (four ÷ 2)/(8 ÷ 2) = 2/4. 2 and 4 are both whole numbers, then this equivalent fraction is valid.

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  1. 1

    Find the number by which the smaller denominator needs to be multiplied to make the larger denominator. Many bug regarding fractions involve determining if two fractions are equivalent. By calculating this number, you tin can brainstorm putting the fractions in the same terms to determine equivalency.

    • For instance, take the fractions 4/viii and 8/16 again. The smaller denominator is 8, and nosotros would have to multiply that number x2 in social club to make the larger denominator, which is 16. Therefore, the number in this example is 2.[i]
    • For more difficult numbers, you can simply separate the larger denominator past the smaller denominator. In this case 16 divided by 8, which however gets usa 2.
    • The number may non always be a whole number. For example, if the denominators were ii and 7, then the number would be 3.5.
  2. 2

    Multiply the numerator and denominator of the fraction expressed in lower terms by the number from the start step. Two fractions that are unlike but equivalent take, by definition, numerators and denominators that are multiples of each other. In other words, multiplying the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the same number volition produce an equivalent fraction. Though the numbers in this new fraction will be different, the fractions volition have the aforementioned value.[ii]

    • For case, if nosotros accept the fraction 4/8 from stride one and multiply both the numerator and denominator past our previously determined number 2, we get (4×ii)/(viii×ii) = 8/16. Thus proving that these two fractions are equivalent.

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  1. 1

    Calculate each fraction as a decimal number. For simple fractions without variables, you can but express each fraction equally a decimal number to determine equivalency. Since every fraction is actually a division problem to begin with, this is the simplest way to decide equivalency.

    • For case, take our previously used 4/8. The fraction 4/8 is equivalent to proverb 4 divided by 8, which 4/viii = 0.5. You can solve for the other example as well, which is viii/16 = 0.5. Regardless of the terms of a fraction, they are equivalent if the ii numbers are exactly the same when expressed as a decimal.
    • Call up that the decimal expression may go several digits before the lack of equivalence becomes apparent. Every bit a basic example, 1/3 = 0.333 repeating while 3/x = 0.three. By using more one digit, nosotros run into that these two fractions are not equivalent.
  2. 2

    Split up the numerator and denominator of a fraction past the same number to get an equivalent fraction. For more complex fractions, the sectionalisation method requires boosted steps. Every bit with the multiplication method, you can divide the numerator and the denominator of a fraction past the same number to obtain an equivalent fraction. There is one caveat to this process. The resulting fraction must have whole numbers in both the numerator and denominator to exist valid.

    • For instance, let'southward look at four/viii once again. If, instead of multiplying, we divide both the numerator and denominator by ii, we get (iv ÷ two)/(eight ÷ ii) = 2/4. 2 and four are both whole numbers, so this equivalent fraction is valid.
  3. iii

    Reduce the fractions to their everyman terms. Almost fractions should typically be expressed in their lowest terms, and you can convert fractions to their simplest terms past dividing by their greatest mutual factor (GCF).[iii] This footstep operates past the same logic of expressing equivalent fractions by converting them to have the same denominator, only this method seeks to reduce each fraction to its lowest expressible terms.

    • When a fraction is in its simplest terms, its numerator and denominator are both as small as they can be. Neither can exist divided by the whatsoever whole number to obtain annihilation smaller. To catechumen a fraction that'southward not in simplest terms to an equivalent form that is, we divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor.
    • The greatest mutual gene (GCF) of the numerator and denominator is the largest number that divides into both to give a whole number outcome. So, in our 4/viii example, since 4 is the largest number that divides evenly into both four and eight, we would divide the numerator and denominator of our fraction by 4 to go it in simplest terms. (4 ÷ 4)/(8 ÷ iv) = one/two. For our other example of 8/16, the GCF is 8, which likewise results in 1/2 equally the simplest expression of the fraction.

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  1. one

    Ready the two fractions equal to one another. We use cross multiplication for math problems where we know the fractions are equivalent, but one of the numbers has been replaced with a variable (typically x) for which we must solve. In cases similar this, we know these fractions are equivalent considering they're the sole terms on opposite sides of an equal sign, but information technology'southward ofttimes not obvious how to solve for the variable. Luckily, with cross multiplication, solving these types of problems is easy.[4]

  2. 2

    Take the ii equivalent fractions and multiply beyond the equals sign in an "X" shape. In other words, you multiply the numerator of 1 fraction by the denominator of the other and vice versa, then prepare these two answers equal to each other and solve.[five]

    • Take our 2 examples of 4/viii and eight/16. These ii don't comprise a variable, but we can evidence the concept since nosotros already know they're equivalent. Past cross multiplying, we get 4 x xvi = viii 10 8, or 64 = 64, which is patently true. If the two numbers are not the same, then the fractions are non equivalent.
  3. 3

    Introduce a variable. Since cantankerous multiplication is the easiest mode to determine equivalent fractions when you must solve for a variable, let's add a variable.

    • For example, allow's consider the equation 2/x = 10/13. To cross multiply, nosotros multiply ii by xiii and 10 past x, so set our answers equal to each other:
      • ii × 13 = 26
      • ten × x = 10x
      • 10x = 26. From here, getting an answer for our variable is a matter of simple algebra. x = 26/10 = 2.half dozen, making the initial equivalent fractions 2/2.6 = ten/13.
  4. 4

    Utilize cross multiplication for equations with multiple variables or variable expressions. One of the best things nearly cross multiplication is that information technology works in essentially the same way whether you're dealing with two simple fractions (as in a higher place) or with more complex fractions. For instance, if both fractions comprise variables, you just take to eliminate these variables at the end during the solving process. Similarly, if the numerators or denominators of your fractions comprise variable expressions (such equally x + 1), simply "multiply through"by using the distributive property and solve every bit yous normally would.[six]

    • For example, let'southward consider the equation ((ten + iii)/2) = ((ten + 1)/4). In this case, every bit above, we'll solve by cantankerous multiplying:
      • (10 + 3) × 4 = 4x + 12
      • (10 + 1) × 2 = 2x + 2
      • 2x + ii = 4x + 12, and then we tin simplify the equation past subtracting 2x from both sides
      • two = 2x + 12, then we should isolate the variable by subtracting 12 from both sides
      • -x = 2x, and divide past 2 to solve for 10
      • -5 = ten

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  1. ane

    Cross multiply the two fractions. For equivalency problems that require the quadratic formula, nosotros withal begin by using cross multiplication. Notwithstanding, any cantankerous multiplication that involves multiplying variable terms by other variable terms is likely to result in an expression that tin can't hands exist solved via algebra. In cases similar these, you may demand to utilise techniques like factoring and/or the Quadratic Formula.[7]

    • For example, let's wait at the equation ((ten +one)/3) = (4/(2x - ii)). First, let's cantankerous multiply:
      • (x + 1) × (2x - two) = 2x2 + 2x -2x - 2 = 2x2 - 2
      • iv × 3 = 12
      • 2xii - 2 = 12.
  2. 2

    Express the equation every bit a quadratic equation. At this point, we want to express this equation in quadratic course (ax2 + bx + c = 0), which we do by setting the equation equal to zip. In this case, we subtract 12 from both sides to go 2x2 - 14 = 0.

    • Some values may equal 0. Though 2x2 - fourteen = 0 is the simplest form of our equation, the truthful quadratic equation is 2xii + 0x + (-14) = 0. It will probably help early to mirror the form of the quadratic equation even when some values are 0.
  3. 3

    Solve past plugging the numbers from your quadratic equation into the quadratic formula. The quadratic formula (10 = (-b +/- √(b2 - 4ac))/2a) will assist usa solve for our value x at this point.[viii] Don't be intimidated by the length of the formula. Yous're simply taking the values from your quadratic equation in step two and plugging them into the appropriate spots earlier solving.

    • x = (-b +/- √(b2 - 4ac))/2a. In our equation, 2x2 - xiv = 0, a = 2, b = 0, and c = -14.
    • x = (-0 +/- √(02 - 4(2)(-14)))/2(2)
    • 10 = (+/- √( 0 - -112))/2(2)
    • x = (+/- √(112))/2(ii)
    • x = (+/- x.58/four)
    • ten = +/- ii.64
  4. 4

    Check your answer by plugging the x value back into your quadratic equation. By plugging the calculated value of x back into your quadratic equation from step two, you can hands determine if you reached the right answer.[9] In this instance, y'all would plug both 2.64 and -ii.64 into the original quadratic equation.

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  • Question

    How can I utilise multiplication to notice equivalent fractions?

    David Jia

    David Jia is an Bookish Tutor and the Founder of LA Math Tutoring, a private tutoring company based in Los Angeles, California. With over 10 years of education feel, David works with students of all ages and grades in various subjects, equally well equally college admissions counseling and test preparation for the Sabbatum, ACT, ISEE, and more. After attaining a perfect 800 math score and a 690 English score on the SAT, David was awarded the Dickinson Scholarship from the Academy of Miami, where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Assistants. Additionally, David has worked every bit an teacher for online videos for textbook companies such as Larson Texts, Large Ideas Learning, and Big Ideas Math.

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    Skillful Reply

    Multiply the top number and lesser number past the same value to discover a fraction that's equivalent to the original.

  • Question

    How exercise I draw a motion picture to bear witness that 1/iii is equivalent to 2/6?

    Donagan

    An easy way is to draw a circle graph. Split up the circle into sixths. Each sixth of the circle would have a central angle of 60°. Then prove (perhaps with the apply of colour) that two next sixths combine to make one-third of the circle (with a key angle of 120°).

  • Question

    What is equivalent to 4 and 2/14?

    Donagan

    For easier ciphering, convert ii/14 to ane/7. And so the mixed number is 4 i/7. If y'all desire to convert that number to an improper fraction, keep the denominator the same. For the new numerator, multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the old numerator. In this example, multiply 4 by 7 to get 28, then add 1 to get a numerator of 29. The denominator is 7.

  • Question

    Why practice I need to know how to find equivalent fractions?

    Donagan

    It is a step usually taken while solving all sorts of math problems.

  • Question

    What would iv be with denominator of 2?

    Donagan

    4 = 8/two.

  • Question

    What fraction is equal to 2 fifths?

    Donagan

    Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the same integer (other than i). That gives you a fraction equal to 2/v. For example, you could multiply both the numerator and the denominator by 6, so that 2/5 is equal to 12/30.

  • Question

    How can I find the equivalent of 1 3/4?

    Community Answer

    If you mean an improper fraction: Find the number of quarters in 1 (iv) and add them to the number of quarters in iii/iv (three). 4+3 = seven, then the answer is 7/four.

  • Question

    What is an equivalent number for 5 and 7/ten?

    Danoyachtcapt

    Danoyachtcapt

    Top Answerer

    You lot divide vii by 10 = .7 then add 5 = 5.seven

  • Question

    What'due south the equivalent fraction of five/half-dozen?

    Donagan

    Get an equivalent fraction by multiplying both the numerator and the denominator by the same number. Two examples: Multiply both 5 and half dozen by 4: 20/24 = v/half-dozen; multiply both five and 6 past 9: 45/54 = 5/6.

  • Question

    What are equivalent fraction of -5/9?

    Community Answer

    Multiply both the numerator and the denominator by the same integer (any whole number). That will give you lot an equivalent fraction. For example, multiply both -5 and ix by iii: that forms a new fraction, -15/27.

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  • Converting fractions to equivalent forms is actually a class of multiplying them past 1. In converting 1/2 to 2/four, multiplying the numerator and denominator by ii is the aforementioned as multiplying 1/2 by 2/2, which equals 1.

  • If desired, convert mixed numbers to improper fractions to make converting easier. Obviously, not every fraction y'all come across will be as easy to catechumen as our four/viii example higher up. For case, mixed numbers (due east.g. 1 iii/iv, 2 five/eight, 5 2/3, etc.) tin make the conversion process a little more complicated. If you need to convert a mixed number to an equivalent fraction, you can do it in ii means: past changing the mixed number to an improper fraction, then converting every bit normal, or by maintaining the mixed number and receiving a mixed number every bit an respond.

    • To catechumen to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number component of the mixed number by the denominator of the fractional component then add it to the numerator. For instance, 1 2/iii = ((i × three) + two)/iii = 5/3. Then, if desired, you lot can convert every bit needed. For case, 5/iii × two/2 = 10/six, which is nonetheless equivalent to i ii/3.
    • However, we don't take to convert to an improper fraction as above. If we don't, nosotros ignore the whole number component, convert the fractional component solitary, and so add the whole number component dorsum in unchanged. For instance, for 3 4/16, we'll just wait at 4/sixteen. iv/16 ÷ four/four = 1/4. And then, adding our whole number component back in, nosotros get a new mixed number, 3 1/4.

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  • Multiplication and partition work for obtaining equivalent fractions because multiplying and dividing by fractional forms of the number one (2/2, 3/3, etc.) give answers that are equivalent to the starting fraction by definition. Add-on and subtraction don't permit this possibility.

  • Although you multiply the numerators and denominators together when multiplying fractions, you exercise non add or subtract denominators when adding or subtracting fractions.

    • For example, to a higher place, we found that 4/eight ÷ 4/4 = i/two . If we instead added by 4/iv, we would have gotten a completely different reply. 4/8 + 4/4 = 4/8 + 8/8 = 12/8 = 1 1/ii or 3/two, neither of which are equal to four/8.

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Article Summary 10

To detect equivalent fractions, multiply or split up the numerator and the denominator of a fraction by any number, as long every bit it's the same on top and bottom. If you lot split the original fraction, the result must accept whole numbers in the numerator and denominator to exist valid. To check the issue, use cross-multiplication. Multiply the denominator of the first fraction past the numerator of the 2d fraction, then multiply the first numerator by the 2d denominator. If the 2 answers are equal, the fractions are equivalent. If you need to learn how to solve variables in your fraction, proceed reading the commodity!

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