Fraction Calculator Guide: All 4 Operations Explained
Fractions are used in cooking, measurements, probability, and algebra. Here are the clear, step-by-step methods for all four arithmetic operations with fractions.
Fraction Operations at a Glance
Addition / Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Finding the LCD (Least Common Denominator)
The LCD of two denominators is their Least Common Multiple (LCM). To find LCM:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add fractions with different denominators?
Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD), convert both fractions to equivalent fractions with that denominator, then add numerators. Example: 1/3 + 1/4. LCD = 12. Convert: 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.
How do I multiply fractions?
Multiply numerators together and denominators together. Then simplify. Example: 2/3 × 3/5 = (2×3)/(3×5) = 6/15 = 2/5. You can also cross-cancel before multiplying to simplify first.
How do I divide fractions?
Flip (take reciprocal of) the second fraction and multiply. Example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 × 5/4 = 10/12 = 5/6. The phrase 'flip and multiply' or 'keep, change, flip' is the standard method.
How do I simplify a fraction?
Divide both the numerator and denominator by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD). For 18/24: GCD(18,24) = 6. Simplified: 18÷6 / 24÷6 = 3/4. A fraction is fully simplified when GCD of numerator and denominator = 1.
How do I convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?
Multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, keep the same denominator. Example: 3 2/5 = (3×5 + 2)/5 = 17/5. To convert back: divide numerator by denominator, remainder becomes new numerator.
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