The following section reviews the processes of renaming and simplifying fractions. These processes are invaluable when you add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions.
Equivalent fractions
Fractions that name the same number, such as 1/2, 2/4, 3/6, 4/8, and 5/10, are called equivalent fractions. A simple method to check if fractions are equivalent is to cross multiply and check the products.
Example 1
Is 
equivalent to 
?
The cross products are the same, so the fractions 
and 
are equivalent.
Example 2
Is 
equivalent to 
?
The cross products are not the same, so the fractions 
and 
are not equivalent.
Simplifying fractions
When given as a final answer, a fraction should be simplified to lowest terms. Simplifying fractions is done by dividing both the numerator and denominator by the largest integer that will divide evenly into both.
Example 3
Simplify 
to lowest terms.
To simplify 
to lowest terms, divide the numerator and denominator by 5.
Since 
cannot be simplified any further, that is, the numerator and denominator cannot both be evenly divided again, 
is simplified to lowest terms.
Example 4
Simplify 
to lowest terms.
Enlarging denominators
The denominator of a fraction may be enlarged and the fraction keeps its original value by multiplying both the numerator and denominator by the same number.
Example 5
Change 
to eighths.
To change 
to eighths, simply multiply the numerator and denominator by 2.
Example 6
Express 
as tenths.
