Calculate fractions with step-by-step solutions. Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with automatic simplification.
Unlike whole numbers, fractions can't be added or subtracted directly unless they share a common denominator, which is exactly where most manual fraction mistakes happen - forgetting to convert both fractions to the same denominator before combining them, or converting incorrectly and throwing off the entire calculation. This comes up constantly in cooking (scaling a recipe that calls for 3/4 cup up by 1.5x), construction and woodworking (measurements in fractions of an inch), and finance (stock prices historically quoted in fractions before decimalization in the early 2000s).
Multiplying and dividing fractions actually follows simpler rules than adding or subtracting them - multiplication just multiplies numerators and denominators straight across, while division flips the second fraction and multiplies, neither of which requires finding a common denominator, which surprises people who assume all fraction operations work the same way.
A mixed number (like 2 1/2) and an improper fraction (like 5/2) represent the same value in different formats, and converting between them is often a necessary step before performing calculations, since most fraction arithmetic is easier to do consistently in improper fraction form before converting the final answer back to a mixed number if needed.
To add fractions with different denominators: find a common denominator (usually the LCM of both denominators), convert each fraction to the common denominator, add the numerators, and simplify the result.
A mixed number is a whole number combined with a proper fraction. For example, 2½ is a mixed number. It represents 2 + 1/2. Improper fractions (where numerator ≥ denominator) can be converted to mixed numbers.
To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor (GCF). Continue dividing until the GCF is 1. The result is the fraction in simplest form.
No, division by zero is undefined in mathematics. If you try to divide by a fraction with a denominator of zero, the calculator will show an error. Always ensure denominators are non-zero.
A proper fraction has a numerator smaller than the denominator (e.g., 3/4). An improper fraction has a numerator equal to or larger than the denominator (e.g., 5/4). Improper fractions can be converted to mixed numbers.
Fractions represent parts of different-sized wholes until they share a denominator, so a common denominator is needed before the parts can be combined directly.
No, multiplying fractions just multiplies straight across, and dividing flips the second fraction and multiplies - neither requires a common denominator.
They represent the same value in different formats - a mixed number like 2 1/2 versus an improper fraction like 5/2.
