Fraction Calculator
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with step-by-step working shown.
Result
Step-by-Step Solution
- 1.Find LCM of 2 and 3: LCM = 6
- 2.Convert: 1/2 = 3/6
- 3.Convert: 1/3 = 2/6
- 4.Add numerators: 3 + 2 = 5
- 5.Result: 5/6
How It Works
- 1
Enter two fractions
Input the numerator and denominator for each fraction. Choose the operation: add, subtract, multiply, or divide.
- 2
View the result
See the answer as a simplified fraction and as a mixed number. The decimal equivalent is also shown.
- 3
Follow the step-by-step solution
Review the detailed working showing each mathematical step — finding LCM, converting, operating, and simplifying.
Working with Fractions
Fractions represent parts of a whole and are fundamental to mathematics, cooking, construction, and finance. Adding fractions requires finding the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators, converting each fraction to an equivalent form with that common denominator, then adding the numerators. Multiplication is simpler (multiply numerators together, multiply denominators together), and division requires multiplying by the reciprocal. Our calculator performs all four operations with step-by-step working shown, so you can follow the mathematical reasoning at each stage. Results are automatically simplified by dividing both numerator and denominator by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD). For improper fractions, the result is also expressed as a mixed number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add fractions with different denominators?
To add fractions with different denominators, first find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCM as the denominator, then add the numerators. Finally, simplify the result by dividing by the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD).
How do you divide fractions?
To divide fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction. The reciprocal is obtained by flipping the numerator and denominator. For example: (1/2) ÷ (1/4) = (1/2) × (4/1) = 4/2 = 2.
What does simplify a fraction mean?
Simplifying (or reducing) a fraction means dividing both the numerator and denominator by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) until no common factors remain. For example, 4/8 simplifies to 1/2 because both 4 and 8 share a GCD of 4.