Identify equivalent fractions and explain why they are equivalent.
Examples
Example: The fractions

and

can be identified as equivalent using number lines.
Example: The fractions
and
can be identified as not equivalent using a visual model.
Clarifications
Clarification 1: Instruction includes identifying equivalent fractions and explaining why they are equivalent using manipulatives, drawings, and number lines.
Clarification 2: Within this benchmark, the expectation is not to generate equivalent fractions.
Clarification 3: Fractions are limited to fractions less than or equal to one with denominators of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12. Number lines must be given and scaled appropriately.
Subject Area: Mathematics (B.E.S.T.)
Grade: 3
Date Adopted or Revised: 08/20
Status: State Board Approved
Benchmark Instructional Guide
Connecting Benchmarks/Horizontal Alignment
Terms from the K-12 Glossary
Vertical Alignment
Previous Benchmarks
Next Benchmarks
Purpose and Instructional Strategies
- The purpose of this benchmark is for students to identify equivalent fractions both on appropriately scaled number lines and on area models, and to justify how they know (MTR.2.1, MTR.4.1).
- Instruction should prioritize tasks that allow for students to reason why fractions are equivalent using the models instead of the algorithm. Students are not expected to generate equivalent fractions until Grade 4 (MTR.2.1).
Common Misconceptions or Errors
- Students can be confused that when numerators are the same in fractions, larger denominators represent smaller pieces, and smaller denominators represent larger pieces
Strategies to Support Tiered Instruction
- Instruction includes opportunities to use concrete models and drawings to solidify understanding of fraction equivalence. Students use models to describe why fractions are equivalent or not equivalent when referring to the same-size whole.
- For example, when looking at and , conversation includes that both fraction 88
models are the same size, so when comparing them we are comparing the same size whole. Students can see that 2 out of the 8 are shaded in the first model and 4
out of the 8 are shaded in the second model, making the greater than .

- Instruction includes opportunities to use concrete models and drawings to solidify understanding of fraction equivalence. Students use models to describe why fractions are equivalent or not equivalent when referring to the same-size whole. Instruction includes partitioning shapes with halves, thirds, and fourths and then comparing the pieces used.
- For example, students partition a shape into halves.

- Conversation includes observations about the shape partitioned into two equal pieces. The teacher models writing the fractional parts of so that students can make the connection of the denominator representing the number of pieces. Students then practice partitioning shapes into thirds and fourths for this same understanding.
Instructional Tasks
Instructional Task 1
- Plot the fractions 6/4 and 3/2. Use your number line to determine whether the fractions are equivalent. Justify your argument in words.
Instructional Items
Instructional Item 1
- Use the area models below to determine whether the fractions they represent are equivalent.

- a. The model shows that 2 sixths and 2 fourths are equivalent because the area models each have 2 shaded parts.
- b. The model shows that 2 sixths and 2-fourths are equivalent because the area models show the size of the shaded parts are equal when the size of each whole is the same.
- c. The model shows that 2 sixths and 2-fourths are not equivalent because 2 sixths is greater than 4ths when the size of each whole is the same.
- d. The model shows that 2 sixths and 2-fourths are not equivalent because the area models show the size of the shaded parts are not equal when the size of each whole is the same.
Instructional Item 2
- Select all the fractions that are equivalent to a whole number.
*The strategies, tasks and items included in the B1G-M are examples and should not be considered comprehensive.
Related Courses
Course Number1111 |
Course Title222 |
5012050: | Grade Three Mathematics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current)) |
7712040: | Access Mathematics Grade 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current)) |
5012055: | Grade 3 Accelerated Mathematics (Specifically in versions: 2019 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current)) |
5012015: | Foundational Skills in Mathematics 3-5 (Specifically in versions: 2019 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current)) |
Related Access Points
Access Point Number |
Access Point Title |
MA.3.FR.2.AP.2 | Using a visual model, recognize fractions less than a whole that are equivalent to fractions with denominators of 2, 3 or 4 (e.g., is equivalent to ). |
Related Resources
Formative Assessments
Name |
Description |
Four Fourths | Students are given a number line scaled by fourths and ask to label the notches. |
Generating Equivalent Fractions | Students are given a familiar fraction and asked to generate an equivalent fraction justifying their reasoning. |
Equivalent Fractions | Students determine whether or not fractions are equivalent. |
Image/Photograph
Name |
Description |
Clipart ETC Fractions | Illustrations that can be used for teaching and demonstrating fractions. Fractional representations are modeled in wedges of circles ("pieces of pie") and parts of polygons. There are also clipart images of numerical fractions, both proper and improper, from halves to twelfths. Fraction charts and fraction strips found in this collection can be used as manipulatives and are ready to print for classroom use. |
Lesson Plans
Name |
Description |
Fractions and Civics 3 | Students will conduct surveys, tally results, and represent the data on graphs. In this lesson, students will also represent data in fractions, equivalent fractions and learn how citizens demonstrate civility, cooperation, volunteerism and other civic virtues. Math and Civics are integrated in this lesson plan. |
Fraction Action! | This lesson will help students understand that fractions are parts of a whole. The lesson introduces fractional parts using familiar manipulatives. |
The Pizza Exchange | The students will receive paper pizzas that are divided into different fractional parts. They will decorate their pizza, and then make equal trades with classmates to explore equivalence of fractions. |
The "Whole" Deal | In this lesson, students will extend their understanding of unit and non-unit fractions by using different pattern blocks to represent one whole and then determining the fractional part the other pattern blocks represent. |
Would you rather have? | Would you rather have 2/4 or 6/12 of a Hershey Chocolate Bar? The students will create a fraction tool kit from construction paper to investigate equivalent fractions using rectangular area models. |
Fractions on a Number line | In this lesson, students will place fractions on a number line and identify equivalent fractions. Students will explain the definition of equivalent fractions. |
Equivalent Fractions: It Means the Same | In this lesson, students will use fold papers to create models to represent equivalent fractions. They will be able to identify representations of equivalence. |
Original Student Tutorials
Name |
Description |
Lesson 22 Video: MEA Animal Meal Planning Part 2 | In this video, SaM-1 introduces a part 2 twist to the Model Eliciting Activity (MEA). In the optional twist, students will need to modify their original diet for a senior chimpanzee. The first video provided meal planning information to add to the knowledge students gained throughout the unit to start the challenge. |
Lesson 22 Video: MEA Animal Meal Planning | In this video, SaM-1 introduces a Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) challenge for the students. This video provides meal planning information to add to the knowledge students gained throughout the unit. Students will be asked to develop a varied diet for a chimpanzee at the CPALMS Rehabilitation and Conservation Center based on the color, shape, texture, and hardness of the food.
In the optional twist, students will need to modify their original diet for a senior chimpanzee. The optional twist also has a SaM-1 video to introduce the twist challenge. |
Equal Fractions in Disguise | Learn how different-sized fractional parts can represent the same amount of a whole, different-sized fractional parts in different orientations can represent the same amount of a whole, and a number line can be used to represent fractional parts of a whole in this interactive tutorial. |
Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea
Name |
Description |
Exploring Fractions with Pattern Blocks | Unlock an effective teaching strategy for using pattern blocks to explore fraction concepts in this Teacher Perspectives video for educators. |
Problem-Solving Tasks
Name |
Description |
Comparing Fractions | The purpose of this task is for students to compare fractions using common numerators and common denominators and to recognize equivalent fractions. |
Closest to 1/2 | How students tackle the problem and the amount of work they show on the number line can provide insight into the sophistication of their thinking. As students partition the interval between 0 and 1 into eighths, they will need to recognize that 1/2=4/8. Students who systematically plot every point, even 9/8, which is larger even than 1 may still be coming to grips with the relative size of fractions. |
Jon and Charlie's Run | The purpose of this task is to present students with a context where they need to explain why two simple fractions are equivalent and is most appropriate for instruction. |
Virtual Manipulative
Name |
Description |
Fraction Game | This virtual manipulative allows individual students to work with fraction relationships. (There is also a link to a two-player version.) |
Student Resources
Original Student Tutorials
Name |
Description |
Lesson 22 Video: MEA Animal Meal Planning Part 2: | In this video, SaM-1 introduces a part 2 twist to the Model Eliciting Activity (MEA). In the optional twist, students will need to modify their original diet for a senior chimpanzee. The first video provided meal planning information to add to the knowledge students gained throughout the unit to start the challenge. |
Lesson 22 Video: MEA Animal Meal Planning: | In this video, SaM-1 introduces a Model Eliciting Activity (MEA) challenge for the students. This video provides meal planning information to add to the knowledge students gained throughout the unit. Students will be asked to develop a varied diet for a chimpanzee at the CPALMS Rehabilitation and Conservation Center based on the color, shape, texture, and hardness of the food.
In the optional twist, students will need to modify their original diet for a senior chimpanzee. The optional twist also has a SaM-1 video to introduce the twist challenge. |
Equal Fractions in Disguise: | Learn how different-sized fractional parts can represent the same amount of a whole, different-sized fractional parts in different orientations can represent the same amount of a whole, and a number line can be used to represent fractional parts of a whole in this interactive tutorial. |
Problem-Solving Tasks
Name |
Description |
Comparing Fractions: | The purpose of this task is for students to compare fractions using common numerators and common denominators and to recognize equivalent fractions. |
Closest to 1/2: | How students tackle the problem and the amount of work they show on the number line can provide insight into the sophistication of their thinking. As students partition the interval between 0 and 1 into eighths, they will need to recognize that 1/2=4/8. Students who systematically plot every point, even 9/8, which is larger even than 1 may still be coming to grips with the relative size of fractions. |
Jon and Charlie's Run: | The purpose of this task is to present students with a context where they need to explain why two simple fractions are equivalent and is most appropriate for instruction. |
Virtual Manipulative
Name |
Description |
Fraction Game: | This virtual manipulative allows individual students to work with fraction relationships. (There is also a link to a two-player version.) |
Parent Resources
Image/Photograph
Name |
Description |
Clipart ETC Fractions: | Illustrations that can be used for teaching and demonstrating fractions. Fractional representations are modeled in wedges of circles ("pieces of pie") and parts of polygons. There are also clipart images of numerical fractions, both proper and improper, from halves to twelfths. Fraction charts and fraction strips found in this collection can be used as manipulatives and are ready to print for classroom use. |
Problem-Solving Tasks
Name |
Description |
Comparing Fractions: | The purpose of this task is for students to compare fractions using common numerators and common denominators and to recognize equivalent fractions. |
Closest to 1/2: | How students tackle the problem and the amount of work they show on the number line can provide insight into the sophistication of their thinking. As students partition the interval between 0 and 1 into eighths, they will need to recognize that 1/2=4/8. Students who systematically plot every point, even 9/8, which is larger even than 1 may still be coming to grips with the relative size of fractions. |
Jon and Charlie's Run: | The purpose of this task is to present students with a context where they need to explain why two simple fractions are equivalent and is most appropriate for instruction. |