What is Equivalent? Definition, Applications, Example, Facts (2024)

Definition of Equivalent

The meaning of ‘equivalent’ generally refers to two numbers, expressions, or quantities with the same value. There are many ways to express an equivalent quantity – it can be denoted either by a bar or an equivalent symbol. Children find this topic very interesting for several reasons as they can relate to it in their daily lives.

The equivalent can also mean some common or logical equivalence between different values or quantities. Equivalence is similar but not the same as equality.

What Is the Meaning of Equivalent in Math?

There are two ways in which one can define an equivalent in math. This is because the term equivalent in mathematical theory is a notion that has multiple meanings. Equivalent means that different terms and expressions with a similar value are considered equal in mathematical form.

Equal Vs Equivalent

In math, equivalent is different from equal. Equal means same in all aspects, whereas equivalent means similar but not identical.

For example, 2 is said to be equal to 2 but equivalent to 1 + 1.

In simple words we can say that two things or quantities are equal when they are exactly the same like ½ is equal to ½ but ½ is equivalent to 2/4 as they represent the same value.

Equivalent Expressions

Two mathematical expressions are said to be equivalent if they yield the same result upon solving them.

For example, let’s solve the following numerical expressions:

25 × 5 = 125

Also, 10$^{2}$ + 5$^{2}$ = 100 + 25 = 125

Thus, the above two expressions are equivalent and can be written as:

Equivalent Fractions

Two fractions are equivalent if the value, proportion, or quantity they represent is the same. Equivalent fractions can have different numerators and denominators.

For example: $\frac{1}{2}$ = $\frac{2}{4}$ = $\frac{3}{6}$ = $\frac{4}{8}$

Equivalent Ratios

Equivalent ratios are those which can express a similar or the same relationship between numbers or values.

They are similar in ratios and identical in value. These ratios can be multiplied or divided by their common factors, which can help simplify them. Equivalent ratios have different numbers in different forms, but their relationship is reflected only by their final value.

For example, 1:2 and 2:4 are equivalent ratios.

Application

The use of the equivalent symbol (as three bars) is frequently used in Unicode programming for computers, as well as in Boolean algebra. Venn diagrams use the concept of logical equivalence to establish the relationship between two algebraic expressions and functions. The concept of equivalence is also used in explaining the structural similarity between the chemical compounds.

Solved Examples

Example 1: Two fractions, $\frac{3}{5}$ and $\frac{6}{x}$, are equivalent. Find the value of x.

Solution: Given, $\frac{3}{5}$ = $\frac{6}{x}$

We know that equivalent fractions can be generated by multiplying the numerator and the denominator by the same number. So $\frac{3}{5}$ = $\frac{6}{10}$.

Hence, x = 10.

Example 2: Check whether 7 × 6 + 66 ÷ 11 – 5 × 2 is equivalent to 7 × 3 + 24 ÷ 2 + 9 × 3 or not.

Solution: In order to verify the equivalence of both the expressions, solve the and find the final values.

7 × 6 + 66 ÷ 11 – 5 × 2

= 42 + 6 – 10

= 38

7 × 3 + 24 ÷ 2 + 9 × 3

= 21 + 12 + 27

= 60

38 ≠ 60

So, the given expressions are not equivalent to each other.

Example 3: Are $\frac{4}{5}$ and $\frac{16}{20}$ equivalent fractions?

Solution:

$\frac{4\times 4}{5\times 4}$ = $\frac{16}{20}$

If we multiply numerator and denominator of $\frac{4}{5}$ by 4, we get $\frac{16}{20}$.

So, the given fractions are equivalent.

Practice Problems

Conclusion

We have learned about the equivalent and its properties and properties with different examples. We have also solved a few problems that have helped us grasp the concept of equivalent. Hopefully, this will help the kids master the concept to solve different mathematical problems.
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