How to Calculate Fractions
Working with fractions can be complex, but breaking it down into steps makes it manageable. Here is how our calculator handles each operation:
Adding & Subtracting
To add or subtract fractions, they must have a common denominator.
- Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators.
- Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCM as the denominator.
- Add or subtract the numerators.
- Simplify the result.
Multiplying & Dividing
Multiplying is straightforward, but division requires one extra step.
- Multiply: Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. Simplify.
- Divide: Flip the second fraction (find its reciprocal) and then multiply as usual.
Simplifying Fractions
To simplify a fraction, find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator. Divide both by that number. If the numerator is larger than the denominator, the result can be expressed as a mixed number.