Equivalent Fractions using a visual approach with rectangles

If two fractions are equivalent it  means they are the same in terms of shape and size, but are expressed using different numbers

Equivalent fractions are best introduced using shape models before proceeding on to using the number line or any  numerical method.  If two fractions are equivalent it  means they are the same in terms of shape and size, but are expressed using different numbers

In these resources fractions are compared using rectangles, where each rectangle represents the same area of a whole.

The 4 Sets of Worksheets form a progression as follows:

Worksheet Set 1:
Each pair of rectangles on the page has a fraction of it's space colored in. Students write down the (equivalent) fractions of each in numerical terms.
 

Worksheet Set 2:
For each pair of rectangles,  equivalent fractions are shown . Students color in the areas on two rectangles that represent two given equivalent fractions.

Worksheet Set 3:
Pairs of coloured-in rectangles and the denominators of the equivalent fractions are shown. Students must  determine the numerators  (of each fraction) and the multiplier that connects the two fractions.

Worksheet Set 4:
Shown pairs of partially coloured-in rectangles pupils are asked to write down the fractions  coloured-in and the multiplier connecting the two fractions.

How many worksheets are in each set ?

A lot. At the click of a button all numbers are randomised, so the questions change every time.  This means you can create new worksheets for plenty of extra practice throughout the year or even give groups of pupils in your class different sets of questions.

Answers can be found on the second page of every worksheet, which are automatically generated when you create a new worksheet.

Note
These resources are PDF documents and work with the official  Adobe Acrobat Reader on Windows or Mac computers with the randomising buttons also working via a touchscreen (on a PC or Mac) or on an Interactive Whiteboard.

Common Core Standards

CCSS3.NF.A.1
Understand a fraction 1/𝘣 as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into 𝘣 equal parts; understand a fraction 𝘢/𝑏 as the quantity formed by 𝘢 parts of size 1/𝘣.

CCSS3.NF.A.3
Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.

CCSS3.NF.A.3a
Understand two fractions as equivalent (equal) if they are the same size, or the same point on a number line.

CCSS3.NF.A.3b
Recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions, (e.g., 1/2 = 2/4, 4/6 = 2/3). Explain why the fractions are equivalent, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

You may also like:

Equivalent Fractions on the Number Line Worksheets 3rd Grade

Equivalent Fractions - Numerical method with multipliers and divisors