Equivalent fractions practice
Equivalent fractions are the same amount written in a different way, like 1/2 and 4/8. Noggli practises finding them, simplifying them and using them to compare fractions.
What your child practises
- Year 3recognise equivalents of unit fractions
- Year 4find equivalent fractions by multiplying
- Year 5find equivalent fractions by dividing
- Year 6compare fractions with different denominators
- Year 6simplify fractions
Mix-ups Noggli looks out for
- Adds to make equivalent fractions instead of multiplying
How equivalent fractions work
Multiply or divide the top and the bottom by the same number and the fraction stays the same size. 1/5 = 3/15 because both numbers were multiplied by 3. 15/20 = 3/4 because both were divided by 5.
Simplifying a fraction means dividing top and bottom by the biggest number that goes into both, so 8/10 becomes 4/5.
Comparing fractions
To compare 1/4 and 1/12, or 2/5 and 3/10, rewrite them with the same denominator first. This is a Year 6 skill, and it underpins adding fractions with different denominators.
Helping at home
- Fold a strip of paper in half, then in quarters, then in eighths. 1/2, 2/4 and 4/8 are the same strip.
- Ask "what did we multiply by?" and check it was the same on the top and the bottom.
- Learn the times tables: almost every equivalent fractions question is a table fact.
Made for children who worry about getting it wrong
A clue, not a cross
A wrong answer gets a clue and another go. A second miss shows how it works, step by step.
No clock
Nothing counts down. Confidence first, speed follows on its own.
The right level
After a few questions Noggli knows where your child is, and every question after that adapts.
Related practice
Questions parents ask
What are equivalent fractions?
Fractions that look different but are worth the same, like 1/2, 2/4 and 5/10. You make one by multiplying or dividing the numerator and denominator by the same number.
Why does my child add instead of multiply?
Thinking 1/2 = 3/4 because 2 was added to both numbers is a very common slip. Noggli notices it and shows why multiplying keeps the size the same.
What year are equivalent fractions taught?
Children recognise simple equivalents in Year 3, find them by multiplying in Year 4 and by dividing in Year 5. Comparing and simplifying fractions comes in Year 6.
Practise this every day, at the right level
Noggli works out where your child is in every topic and adjusts each question to suit. Free, with no timers, no scores and no child accounts.