Equivalent Fractions

2/4 and 1/2 are the same value — just different ways of writing it. Multiplying or dividing both the numerator and denominator by the same number creates an equivalent fraction. This is the key skill for adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators.

A quicker method for two fractions: cross-multiply. Compare 3/8 and 2/5 by computing 3 × 5 = 15 and 2 × 8 = 16. Since 16 > 15, the second fraction (2/5) is larger. This shortcut avoids finding the common denominator entirely.