Find equivalent fractions using area models: two models
1 November 2026
Understanding equivalent fractions is easier when you can see them. Area models help children visualise how different fractions can represent the same amount.
Example question
Find an equivalent fraction for 1/2 using area models.
Step 1
Draw a rectangle and split it into 2 equal parts. Shade 1 part. This shows 1/2.
Step 2
Draw another rectangle of the same size. Split it into 4 equal parts. Shade 2 parts. This shows 2/4.
Step 3
Look at both rectangles. The shaded area is the same in both.
Answer
1/2 is equivalent to 2/4.
Key insight: When two shapes have the same shaded area, even if they are split into different numbers of parts, the fractions are equivalent. Your child can now spot equivalent fractions using area models and is ready to practise more questions like this.
