Two fractions that look different but name the same number are called what?

• A. Like Fractions
• B. Equivalent Fractions
• C. Improper Fractions
• D. Simplified Fractions

Answer: (B)

Equivalent fractions are fractions that name the same number even if they look different. This happens when you multiply the top and bottom by the same nonzero number. For example, 1/2 and 2/4 both represent one half. You can see this by multiplying: they name the same amount, just written in a different way. A quick check is to cross-multiply: 1×4 equals 2×2, so they are the same value. This idea is different from like fractions, which just means fractions with the same denominator and doesn’t by itself show equal amounts. It’s also separate from improper fractions (where the top is bigger than the bottom) and from simplified fractions (which are written in lowest terms, not about matching other fractions).