Page 101 - ICSE Math 4

Unit frac ons: Frac ons whose numerator is 1 are called unit frac ons.
1 1 1 1 1
For example, , , , and are unit frac ons.
1 2 3 9 17
Equivalent frac ons: Frac ons that have the same value are called equivalent frac ons.
They represent the same part of a whole.
1 2 3 4
For example, , , and are equivalent frac ons.
2 4 6 8
Visual Idea of Equivalent Fractions

If we take a whole and divide it in various ways to represent equal parts, then diff erent
frac ons represent the same part of the whole.

1 2 3 4
2 4 6 8
Observe carefully that in each fi gure, the coloured parts show half of the whole rectangle.
In other words, they represent equivalent frac ons.
1 2 3 4
Thus, = = = are equivalent frac ons.
2 4 6 8
Showing Equivalence of Fractions

To show that two frac ons are equivalent, we mul ply the numerator of the fi rst frac on

with the denominator of the second frac on and the denominator of the fi rst frac on
with the numerator of the second frac on. If the products obtained are equal, we can say
that the two frac ons are equivalent.
2 4
Example 2: Find whether and are equivalent frac ons or not.
4 8
Solu on: Multiplying the numerator and denominator of the 1st frac on with the
denominator and numerator of the 2nd frac on respec vely, we get
2 = 4
4 8
2 × 8 = 4 × 4
16 = 16
2 4
Since the products are equal, and are equivalent frac ons.
4 8

Mental Maths
Write True or False.
3 7 9 8 4 1
(a) , , and are like fractions. (b) and are equivalent fractions.
4 4 4 4 16 4

(c) and represent equivalent fractions.

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