Fraction Calculator
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with step-by-step solutions. Automatically simplifies results to lowest terms.
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Understanding Fraction Calculations
Fractions represent parts of a whole and are essential in mathematics, cooking, construction, and many other fields. Understanding how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions is a fundamental skill that opens doors to more advanced mathematical concepts.
How to Add Fractions
To add fractions, first find a common denominator. Convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with this common denominator, then add the numerators while keeping the denominator the same. Finally, simplify the result if possible. For example: 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.
How to Multiply Fractions
To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together to get the new numerator, and multiply the denominators together to get the new denominator. Simplify the result by dividing both by their greatest common factor. For example: 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2.
How to Divide Fractions
To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. The reciprocal is found by flipping the numerator and denominator of the second fraction. For example: 1/2 ÷ 1/3 = 1/2 × 3/1 = 3/2.
About This Calculator
This fraction calculator handles all basic fraction operations and automatically simplifies results to their lowest terms. Whether you're a student learning fractions for the first time, a teacher creating examples, or a professional needing quick calculations, this tool provides accurate results with step-by-step explanations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you add fractions?
To add fractions, first find a common denominator. Convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with this common denominator, then add the numerators while keeping the denominator the same. Finally, simplify the result if possible. For example: 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.
How do you multiply fractions?
To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together to get the new numerator, and multiply the denominators together to get the new denominator. Simplify the result by dividing both by their greatest common factor. For example: 2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2.
How do you divide fractions?
To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. The reciprocal is found by flipping the numerator and denominator of the second fraction. For example: 1/2 ÷ 1/3 = 1/2 × 3/1 = 3/2.
What is a common denominator?
A common denominator is a shared multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions. The least common denominator (LCD) is the smallest number that all denominators can divide into evenly. Finding the LCD makes adding and subtracting fractions easier.
How do you simplify fractions?
To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF). Continue until no common factors remain except 1. This gives you the fraction in its lowest terms. For example: 6/8 simplifies to 3/4 by dividing both by 2.