Fraction Calculator

To add fractions with different denominators, first find the least common denominator (LCD). Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD as the denominator, then add the numerators. For example, 1/3 + 1/4: LCD is 12, so (4/12) + (3/12) = 7/12. The calculator handles this automatically.

Subtracting fractions follows the same process as addition. Find a common denominator, convert both fractions, then subtract the numerators. For example, 3/4 - 1/2 = 3/4 - 2/4 = 1/4. The calculator will show you the step-by-step process and simplify the result.

To multiply fractions, simply multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together. For example, 2/3 × 3/4 = (2×3)/(3×4) = 6/12, which simplifies to 1/2. You don't need to find a common denominator for multiplication.

To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal (flip) of the second fraction. For example, 2/3 ÷ 1/4 = 2/3 × 4/1 = 8/3 = 2 2/3. This is also called "keep, change, flip" or "multiply by the reciprocal."

A mixed number combines a whole number and a fraction (like 2 1/3). To convert to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number by the denominator, add the numerator, and put the result over the original denominator. For example, 2 1/3 = (2×3 + 1)/3 = 7/3. The calculator can convert between both formats.

To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). For example, 12/18 can be simplified by dividing both by 6 to get 2/3. The calculator automatically simplifies all results to their lowest terms.

Yes! The calculator supports both proper fractions and mixed numbers. You can enter mixed numbers like 2 1/3, and the calculator will convert them to improper fractions for calculation, then display the result in both improper fraction and mixed number format when appropriate.

The least common denominator is the smallest number that both denominators can divide into evenly. For example, for 1/4 and 1/6, the LCD is 12 because 12 is the smallest number divisible by both 4 and 6. The calculator automatically finds the LCD when adding or subtracting fractions.

Common denominators are needed for addition and subtraction because you can only add or subtract fractions that represent the same-sized pieces. Think of it like money: you can't add dollars and cents without converting to the same unit. Multiplication and division don't require common denominators.

The calculator provides exact mathematical results with no rounding errors. Fractions are calculated using precise integer arithmetic and automatically reduced to their simplest form. The step-by-step explanations show the exact process used to arrive at each answer.

Yes, the calculator supports negative fractions. You can enter negative values for numerators or denominators. The calculator will handle the sign correctly and show the result with the proper sign. Remember that a negative sign in either the numerator or denominator makes the whole fraction negative.

Division by zero is mathematically undefined. If you enter a fraction with zero in the denominator, or try to divide by a fraction equal to zero, the calculator will show an error message. Make sure all denominators contain non-zero values.