How to Calculate an Equivalent Fraction

Multiply a fraction's numerator and denominator by the same number, like three.

Equivalent fractions are fractions that are equal in value, but have different numerators and denominators. For example, 1/2 and 2/4 are equivalent fractions. A fraction can have an unlimited number of equivalent fractions, which are generated by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number. The numerator is the top part of a fraction, and the denominator is the bottom part. To determine if two fractions are equivalent, cross-multiply the fractions--multiply the numerator of each fraction by the denominator of the other. The fractions are equivalent if the products are the same.

Instructions

1. Determine a number to multiply the numerator and denominator of a fraction by. For this example, we will multiply the numerator and denominator of the fraction 3/4 by 3.

2. Multiply the numerator of the fraction 3/4 by 3: 3 times 3 equals 9.

3. Multiply the denominator of the fraction by 3: 3 times 4 equals 12.

4. Place the numerator over the denominator, which equals 9/12. This is equivalent to 3/4.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your answer by cross-multiplying the fractions: 9 times 4 equals 36, and 3 times 12 equals 36. These are equivalent fractions.

References

• Syracuse University: Equivalent Fractions
• Cliffs Notes: Introduction to Fractions
• Cliffs Notes: Renaming Fractions