Are 6/8 and 9/12 actually equivalent and why?

Question

Are 6/8 and 9/12 not equivalent because there is no whole number you can multiply both parts of 6/8 to get 9/12?

Answer 1

Try reducing the fractions::

6/8 = (2•3) / (2•4) = 3/4

9/12 = (3•3) / (3•4) = 3/4

They both reduce to 3/4. so they are equivalent.

You could also find the least common denominator, which is 24:

6/8 • 3/3 = 18/24

9/12 • 2/2 = 18/24

I multiplied each fraction by 1 (3/3 = 2/2 = 1) and got the same answer, 18/24. So they are equivalent.