# >> K-12 >> K-12 Basics

How to Tell if a Fraction Is Equivalent

Fractions are a numerical quantity that is not a whole number. Fractions contain a numerator -- the top number -- and a denominator -- the bottom number. Fractions are used to show a part-to-whole relationship. The denominator names the total number of objects in a whole, while the numerator shows the quantity you have of the whole. For example, say a whole pizza has 12 slices; this would be the denominator. If six slices remain, this would be the numerator, meaning you have 6/12 of the pizza. Fractions that name the same amount are equivalent, even if the numerators and denominators are different.

Instructions

- 1
  Compare the numerators and denominators of two or more fractions. If both the numerators and denominators are the same, then the fractions are equivalent.
- 2
  Divide the numerator by the denominator of two or more fractions. If the fractions name the same decimal, then the fractions are equivalent. For example, compare the fractions 1/2 and 3/6. One divided by two is .5, and three divided by is also .5, meaning these fractions are equivalent.
- 3
  Multiply the numerator and denominator of one fraction by a common number to equal the numerator and denominator of another fraction. If you can do this, then the original fractions are equivalent. For example, compare the fractions 1/4 and 3/12. Multiply the numerator and denominator of the first fraction by three. This gives you 3/12, so these are equivalent fractions.

How to Convert Repeating Decimals to Percentages

How to Identify Point Coordinates