Fractions that are equal to each other are called equivalent fractions.

Example:

It is clear from the images above that the yellow coloured portions of the 3 pizzas are equal to each other.
So,

4

8

 = 

2

4

 = 

1

2

Therefore, Annie, Betty and Charlie each got

1

2

a pizza.

When possible, we should simplify fractions.

We should simplify fractions because simplified fractions are easier to understand.

Example:
So, though

51

85

is the same as

3

5

, it is much easier to understand

3

5

than

51

85

.

To simplify the fraction, keep dividing the numerator and the denominator by a common factor until you can't divide them any further.

So, to simplify the fraction

4

8

, divide both 4 and 8 by 2 (as 2 is a common factor of 4 and 8).

4 / 2

8 / 2

 = 

2

4

2 and 4 can be divided further by 2.

2 / 2

4 / 2

 = 

1

2

1

2

is the simplest form of the fraction

4

8

.

To simplify the fraction

180

240

, divide both 180 and 240 by their common factors.

It is easy to see that both numbers can be divided by 10.

180 / 10

240 / 10

 = 

18

24

18 and 24 can be divided further by 2.

18 / 2

24 / 2

 = 

9

12

9 and 12 can be divided further by 3.

9 / 3

12 / 3

 = 

3

4

3

4

is the simplest form of the fraction

180

240

.