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Fraction Calculator

Perform calculations with fractions and see step-by-step solutions. Learn how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with our interactive calculator. Share your calculations instantly with friends, family, or students to help them understand fraction operations better.

Quick Tips

  • When adding or subtracting fractions, they need a common denominator
  • When multiplying fractions, multiply numerators and denominators separately
  • To divide fractions, multiply by the reciprocal (flip the second fraction)
  • Results are always shown in simplified form
  • Use the share button to save and share your calculations with others
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One Operation at a Time

Working on a single operation? These pages open this same calculator with the operation already selected, plus worked examples for that operation.

Adding Fractions Calculator

Add two fractions with the common denominator worked out for you.

Subtracting Fractions Calculator

Subtract fractions and see the rewriting step in full.

Multiplying Fractions Calculator

Multiply fractions across the top and bottom, then simplify.

Dividing Fractions Calculator

Divide fractions using keep, change, flip.

Understanding Fraction Operations

Adding and Subtracting Fractions

The key to adding or subtracting fractions is having a common denominator. Here's how it works:

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators
  2. Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator
  3. Add or subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator the same
  4. Simplify the result if possible

Pro Tip:

Use our calculator to see the step-by-step process, then try solving similar problems on your own!

Multiplying Fractions

Multiplication is the simplest operation with fractions - no common denominators needed!

Simple Two-Step Process:

  1. Multiply the numerators together
  2. Multiply the denominators together

Pro Tip:

Look for opportunities to simplify before multiplying - it makes the math easier!

Dividing Fractions

Division uses a special trick that turns it into multiplication!

The "Keep-Change-Flip" Method:

  1. Keep the first fraction as is
  2. Change the division sign to multiplication
  3. Flip the second fraction (find its reciprocal)
  4. Multiply and simplify

Remember:

When dividing by a fraction, you're actually asking "how many times does this fraction go into the other?" That's why we multiply by the reciprocal!

Share Your Learning Journey

Found a helpful example? Share it with others!

  • Share calculations with classmates
  • Help others understand fraction operations
  • Save examples for later reference
  • Create practice problems for students

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about fraction operations

To add fractions with different denominators, first find the Least Common Denominator (LCD). Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the LCD, then add the numerators and keep the denominator. Finally, simplify the result. For example: 1/2 + 1/3, the LCD is 6, so convert to 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.

Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together, then simplify. For example: 2/3 × 3/4 = (2×3)/(3×4) = 6/12 = 1/2. You can also simplify before multiplying by cancelling common factors across numerators and denominators.

Use the keep-change-flip method: keep the first fraction, change division to multiplication, and flip (take the reciprocal of) the second fraction. For example: 2/3 ÷ 4/5 becomes 2/3 × 5/4 = 10/12 = 5/6.

Yes, every result is automatically reduced to its simplest form. The calculator finds the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of the result and divides both numerator and denominator by it. If the result is an improper fraction, it also shows the mixed number form.