You can find an equivalent fraction with a smaller denominator by dividing the numerator and denominator of a fraction by the same number.

Example 3:	To write a fraction equivalent to that shows what
	fraction of eggs in a carton you need to make a
	cake:

• Find a number that can divide evenly into both the numerator and denominator. Both 12 and 4 can be divided evenly by 4.

  

• Write next to the original fraction of , because the fraction is the same as 1 whole.

Remember, any number mulitplied or divided by 1 is equal to itself.

• Divide the original denominator 12 by 4 and put the quotient in the denominator space. 12 ÷ 4 = 3
  
  
• Then divide the original numerator 4 by 4 and put the quotient in the numerator space. 4 ÷ 4 = 1

The fraction is equivalent to . When you need of a carton of eggs (4 out of 12) to make a cake, you need of the whole carton of eggs.