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Skillswise Factsheet
N2/L1.3

Fractions that have the same value

Equivalent fractions out of 100

In both of the shapes below The fraction 2 over 5. of the shape is shaded.

2/5 and 40/100

You can see that if the shape is divided into 5 equal parts, then 2 of those parts are shaded.
If the shape is divided into 100 equal parts, then 40 parts are shaded.
These are equivalent fractions as in both cases the same amount has been shaded.

Tip!
If the denominator (the bottom number) of a fraction divides into 100 then the fraction can be written as an equivalent fraction out of 100.

For example:
To change the fraction The fraction 2 over 5. to an equivalent fraction out of 100 see how many times 5 goes into 100.
      100 ÷ 5 = 20
      Multiple 2 by 20
      2 x 20 = 40
So The fraction 2 over 5. is the same as The fraction 40 over 100.

2/5 = 40/100


Using this method other fractions can be written as equivalent fractions out of 100. Here are some examples:
      The fraction 1 over 25. = The fraction 4 over 100.
      The fraction 3 over 10. = The fraction 30 over 100.
      The fraction 3 over 5. = The fraction 60 over 100.
      The fraction 1 over 50. = The fraction 2 over 100.
      The fraction 1 over 4. = The fraction 25 over 100.
      The fraction 3 over 4. = The fraction 75 over 100.


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