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Equivalent & Simplified Fractions (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE International Maths): Revision Note

Exam code: 0607

Naomi C

Written by: Naomi C

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

Updated on

Cambridge (CIE) International Maths: CoreCambridge (CIE) Maths: CoreEdexcel Maths A: Foundation

Equivalent Fractions

What are equivalent fractions?

  • Equivalent fractions are two fractions that represent the same amount

    • They are different ways of writing the same thing

    • For example, 1 half and 6 over 12 are equivalent fractions

How do I find an equivalent fraction?

  • To find an equivalent fraction, multiply the top and bottom of a fraction by the same number

    • 5 over 6 is equivalent to fraction numerator 5 cross times 2 over denominator 6 cross times 2 end fraction equals 10 over 12 and fraction numerator 5 cross times 3 over denominator 6 cross times 3 end fraction equals 15 over 18 and fraction numerator 5 cross times 4 over denominator 6 cross times 4 end fraction equals 20 over 24etc.

    • For each fraction, there are an infinite number of equivalent fractions

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • Using equivalent fractions can help with shading parts of diagrams questions as well as adding and subtracting fractions without a calculator

    • Remember that if you have your calculator in the exam you can use it to check your work

Simplifying Fractions

What is a simplified fraction?

  • A simplified fraction is a fraction that is written using the smallest possible integer values

    • Simplifying turns a fraction into an 'easier' equivalent fraction

  • If both the numerator and denominator can be divided by the same number (called a common factor), the fraction can be simplified

  • Simplifying is also called cancelling a fraction

How do I simplify fractions?

  • To simplify the fraction, divide the top and bottom by the common factor

  • 12 over 18 equals fraction numerator 12 divided by 6 over denominator 18 divided by 6 end fraction equals 2 over 3

  • 25 over 45 equals fraction numerator 25 divided by 5 over denominator 45 divided by 5 end fraction equals 5 over 9

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • Make use of your calculator if you have it in your exam

    • Type any fraction into it and pressing equals will automatically simplify the fraction for you

    • If the question asks you to show your working, you must show which number you divided by

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Author
Reviewer
Naomi C

Author: Naomi C

Expertise: Maths Content Creator

Naomi graduated from Durham University in 2007 with a Masters degree in Civil Engineering. She has taught Mathematics in the UK, Malaysia and Switzerland covering GCSE, IGCSE, A-Level and IB. She particularly enjoys applying Mathematics to real life and endeavours to bring creativity to the content she creates.

Dan Finlay

Reviewer: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Subject Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

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