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How to Determine Whether the Fractions Are Equal

Two fractions can have different numerators and denominators but still represent the same amount. These kinds of fractions are called equivalent fractions. One way to compare if two fractions are equivalent is to reduce both to their simplest forms --- though this can sometimes be confusing and time-consuming. Another simpler method is cross-multiplication, which combines the fractions' numerators and denominators and compares all the numbers involved.

Instructions

- 1
  Write down the equation for cross-multiplication --- a*d = b*c.
- 2
  Substitute the fractions' numerators for a and b, and the fractions' corresponding denominators for c and d --- when combined, the variables make up the fractions a/c and b/d. For example, the fractions are 1/4 and 93/372, so a = 1, b = 93, c = 4 and d = 372 and the equation becomes 1 * 372 = 93 * 4.
- 3
  Multiply the variables and check if the two products are equal --- if they are, then the fractions are equivalent. In the example, 1 * 372 = 372 and 93 * 4 = 372, so 372 = 372 and the fractions are equivalent.

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