How to Use the Fraction Calculator

Enter the numerator and denominator for two fractions, select an operation (+, −, ×, ÷), and click “Calculate”. The calculator shows:

• The simplified result as a fraction
• Decimal and percentage equivalents
• Mixed number form (if applicable)
• Step-by-step solution showing LCD and simplification

Use the Simplify section below the calculator to reduce any fraction to its lowest terms.

How Fraction Operations Work

Adding & Subtracting Fractions

To add or subtract fractions, you need a common denominator:

1. Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) of both fractions
2. Adjust the numerators by multiplying each by the factor needed to reach the LCD
3. Add (or subtract) the adjusted numerators
4. Simplify the result by dividing numerator and denominator by their GCD

Example: 3/4 + 2/5. LCD of 4 and 5 = 20. Adjust: 15/20 + 8/20 = 23/20 = 1 3/20.

Multiplying Fractions

Multiply numerators together, multiply denominators together, then simplify: (a/b) × (c/d) = (a×c)/(b×d).

Dividing Fractions

“Flip and multiply” — invert the second fraction and multiply: (a/b) ÷ (c/d) = (a/b) × (d/c) = (a×d)/(b×c).

Practical Examples

Example 1: Adding Fractions

1/3 + 1/4. LCD = 12. Convert: 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12. As a decimal: ≈ 0.5833.

Example 2: Multiplying Fractions

2/3 × 5/8. Multiply across: (2×5)/(3×8) = 10/24. Simplify: GCD(10,24)=2, so 10/24 = 5/12. As a decimal: ≈ 0.4167.

Example 3: Dividing Fractions

3/4 ÷ 2/3. Flip and multiply: 3/4 × 3/2 = 9/8. As a mixed number: 1 1/8. As a decimal: 1.125.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I simplify a fraction?

Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator, then divide both by it. For example, 12/18: GCD(12,18) = 6, so 12÷6 / 18÷6 = 2/3.

How do I convert a fraction to a decimal?

Simply divide the numerator by the denominator. For example, 3/8 = 3 ÷ 8 = 0.375. Some fractions produce repeating decimals: 1/3 = 0.3333…

What is a mixed number?

A mixed number combines a whole number with a fraction, like 2 3/4. To convert an improper fraction (where the numerator is larger than the denominator) to a mixed number: divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number; the remainder over the denominator is the fractional part.

How do I find the LCD of two fractions?

The Least Common Denominator is the smallest number that both denominators divide into evenly. Find it by: LCD = (d1 × d2) ÷ GCD(d1, d2). For example, LCD of 4 and 6: GCD(4,6)=2, so LCD = 24÷2 = 12.