What are equivalent fractions?
Two fractions are equivalent if they represent the same value. You can build an equivalent fraction by multiplying (or dividing) both the numerator and the denominator by the same non-zero number.
a/b = (a × k) / (b × k) for any non-zero k
The simplest form (or "lowest terms") is the one where numerator and denominator share no common factor other than 1 — i.e., divide both by their GCD.
FAQ
Are 2/3 and 4/6 the same number?
Yes — both equal 0.6666… and 66.67%. They look different but represent the same point on the number line.
How do I know if two fractions are equivalent?
Cross-multiply: a/b = c/d if and only if a × d = b × c. The calculator does this implicitly by reducing both to lowest terms and comparing.
Why is the simplest form useful?
It removes redundant factors, so different inputs that mean the same thing land on the same canonical answer — easier to compare, store, or memorise.