Equivalent Fraction
3 Minutes
Equivalent fractions for kids: see how different fractions like 1/2, 2/4, and 3/6 cover the same amount. A short maths lesson in English.
- Three wheels split into 2, 4, and 6 parts to unlock a cage
- Turning 1/2, 2/4, and 3/6 to show they cover the same half space
- Using equivalent fractions (saman pindangal) to free Dingu
What this lesson teaches
Equivalent fractions are different fractions that describe the exact same amount or space. Even though their numbers are different, they represent equal portions of a whole.
Understanding fractions
When a whole object is broken into pieces, each piece is called a fraction. The total number of pieces shows how the whole is divided. If an object is split into two parts, one part is called 1 by 2. If it is split into four parts, one part is 1 by 4, and if it is split into six parts, one part is 1 by 6.
Comparing parts of the wheels
- The first wheel is split into two pieces, so one piece equals 1 by 2.
- The second wheel is split into four pieces, so one piece equals 1 by 4.
- The third wheel is split into six pieces, so one piece equals 1 by 6.
- Turning the second wheel by two pieces covers 2 by 4 of its space.
- Turning the third wheel by three pieces covers 3 by 6 of its space.
How equivalent fractions work
The fractions 1 by 2, 2 by 4, and 3 by 6 are all written with different numbers, but they cover the exact same amount of space. One part out of two covers half the space. Two parts out of four also cover half the space, and three parts out of six cover half the space as well. Because 1 by 2 is half, 2 by 4 is half, and 3 by 6 is half, these are called equivalent fractions (saman pindangal).
Example from the lesson
A rabbit needs to save a friend named Dingu who is trapped inside a cage. To open the cage, three wheels that are split into different numbers of pieces must all be turned evenly. The rabbit turns the two-piece wheel by 1 by 2, the four-piece wheel by 2 by 4, and the six-piece wheel by 3 by 6. Because all three fractions equal half the space, the wheels are turned by the exact same amount, unlocking the cage and freeing Dingu.