The equation x/a = b/c has equivalent fractions on either side of the "equals" sign. You can make equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing both numerato

The equation x/a = b/c has equivalent fractions on either side of the "equals" sign. You can make equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing both numerator and denominator by the same non-zero number. Take a square that has a equal parts, with x parts shaded. It represents x/a. You can split up the whole square in a different way but keep the same area. This square has c equal parts, with b parts shaded. It represents b/c. You can represent the work by multiplication and division, too. Take, for example, 6/12. Divide both numerator and denominator by 3. You get the equivalent fraction 2/4. The area does not change. Hope it makes sense.