Step-by-step solution
How to Use the Fraction Calculator
This fraction calculator helps you to quickly add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions and mixed numbers.
To use it:
- Enter the first fraction.
- Choose Add, Subtract, Multiply, or Divide.
- Enter the second fraction.
- Click Calculate.
The calculator returns the final answer in its simplest form and shows you how the fraction was calculated.
Tip. If you are entering a proper or improper fraction, leave the whole-number box blank. However, for a mixed number such as , enter 2 in the whole-number box, 1 as the numerator, and 3 as the denominator.
What Can the Fraction Calculator Calculate?
You can use the calculator to perform the four main operations involving fractions:
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Multiplication
- Division
It works with proper fractions, improper fractions, mixed numbers, whole numbers, and negative fractions.
The calculation steps also change depending on the operation you select. For example, when adding or subtracting fractions, the calculator finds the least common denominator. However, when dividing fractions, it finds the reciprocal of the second fraction before multiplying.
How the Calculator Handles Different Fraction Operations
The method used depends on the operation you select.
Adding or Subtracting Fractions
When the denominators are different, the calculator first finds the least common denominator. It then rewrites the fractions using the common denominator before adding or subtracting the numerators. If the final fraction can be reduced, it is simplified automatically.
Multiplying Fractions
When multiplying fractions, the calculator multiplies the numerators and then multiplies the denominators. The resulting fraction is then reduced to its simplest form.
Dividing Fractions
When dividing fractions, the calculator keeps the first fraction, finds the reciprocal of the second fraction, and changes division to multiplication. It then multiplies the fractions and simplifies the result.
Mixed Numbers
If one or both values are mixed numbers, the calculator first converts them to improper fractions. It then performs the selected operation using the improper fractions.
If you only need to work with mixed numbers, you can also use our Mixed Fraction Calculator.
Fraction Calculator Example
Suppose you want to find:
5/6 − 3/8
To find the answer using the calculator:
- Enter 5 and 6 as the numerator and denominator of the first fraction.
- Select Subtract.
- Enter 3 and 8 as the numerator and denominator of the second fraction.
- Click Calculate.
The calculator gives: 5/6 − 3/8 = 11/24.
It also shows how the answer was obtained as follows:
The least common denominator of 6 and 8 is 24.
Thus: 5/6 = 20/24 and 3/8 = 9/24
Therefore, 20/24 − 9/24 = 11/24
Since 11 and 24 have no common factor greater than 1, the fraction is already in its simplest form.
Understanding the Results
The calculator gives the final answer as a simplified fraction. If the answer is an improper fraction, it also shows the equivalent mixed number.
For example,
The calculator also gives the decimal and percentage equivalents of the answer. For example, 3/4 = 0.75 = 75%
If you only want to convert a fraction to a decimal, use our Fraction to Decimal Calculator. However, if you only want to reduce a fraction to its simplest form, the Simplifying Fractions Calculator may be useful.
Why Does the Calculator Simplify the Answer?
Fractions are normally written in their simplest form. For example, 18/24 can be simplified because both 18 and 24 are divisible by 6.
Thus, 18/24 = 3/4
When simplification is needed, the calculator finds the greatest common factor and shows how the fraction is reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions
A fraction calculator is a tool used to add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions. This calculator also simplifies the answer and shows how the result was obtained step by step.
Yes. The calculator reduces the final answer to its simplest form. If simplification is required, the calculation steps also show the greatest common factor used to reduce the fraction.
Yes. Enter the whole number, numerator, and denominator in the appropriate boxes. The calculator automatically converts the mixed number into an improper fraction before performing the calculation.
Yes. For example, you can calculate: 2 1/4 + 3/5. Just enter the whole-number part only for the mixed number and leave the whole-number box blank for the simple fraction.
Yes. You can enter improper fractions directly. If the final answer is an improper fraction, the calculator also gives the equivalent mixed number.
Yes. For a simple fraction, enter the negative sign with the numerator. However, for a negative mixed number, enter the negative sign with the whole number.
No. A denominator cannot be zero because division by zero is undefined. For example, 5/0 is not a valid fraction. Therefore, if you enter zero as a denominator, the calculator will ask you to correct the value before calculating the answer.
