How to Use the Fraction Calculator
Quick Start Guide
- Enter the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number) for the first fraction
- Select the operation: Add (+), Subtract (โ), Multiply (ร), or Divide (รท)
- Enter the numerator and denominator for the second fraction
- The calculator instantly shows the result in simplified form, mixed number, and decimal
Understanding Fraction Operations
Addition & Subtraction
To add or subtract fractions, you need a common denominator. The calculator finds the Least Common Denominator (LCD) automatically, converts both fractions, then adds or subtracts the numerators.
Example: 1/4 + 1/6
LCD = 12
1/4 = 3/12
1/6 = 2/12
3/12 + 2/12 = 5/12
LCD = 12
1/4 = 3/12
1/6 = 2/12
3/12 + 2/12 = 5/12
Multiplication
Multiplying fractions is straightforward: multiply the numerators together, multiply the denominators together, then simplify.
Example: 2/3 ร 3/4
(2 ร 3) / (3 ร 4) = 6/12
Simplified: 1/2
(2 ร 3) / (3 ร 4) = 6/12
Simplified: 1/2
Division
To divide fractions, multiply by the reciprocal (flip the second fraction). This is the "Keep, Change, Flip" rule.
Example: 3/4 รท 2/5
3/4 ร 5/2 (flip second fraction)
(3 ร 5) / (4 ร 2) = 15/8
Mixed number: 1 7/8
3/4 ร 5/2 (flip second fraction)
(3 ร 5) / (4 ร 2) = 15/8
Mixed number: 1 7/8
Fraction Terminology
- Numerator: The top number (how many parts you have)
- Denominator: The bottom number (total number of equal parts)
- Proper Fraction: Numerator is less than denominator (e.g., 3/4)
- Improper Fraction: Numerator is greater than or equal to denominator (e.g., 7/4)
- Mixed Number: A whole number plus a fraction (e.g., 1 3/4)
- Equivalent Fractions: Different fractions that represent the same value (e.g., 1/2 = 2/4 = 3/6)
- Simplest Form: When numerator and denominator have no common factors except 1
Common Fraction Conversions
1/2
0.5
50%
1/3
0.333...
33.3%
1/4
0.25
25%
1/5
0.2
20%
1/8
0.125
12.5%
3/4
0.75
75%
2/3
0.666...
66.6%
3/5
0.6
60%
๐ก Pro Tips
- Always simplify fractions to their lowest terms for the cleanest answer
- Check if your answer can be converted to a mixed number for easier understanding
- When dividing, remember: dividing by a fraction is the same as multiplying by its reciprocal
- Use the decimal form to check reasonableness of your answer