Fraction calculator
This calculator adds two fractions. First, all fractions are converted to a common denominator when fractions have different denominators. Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) or multiply all denominators to find a common denominator. When all denominators are the same, subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator. Then, simplify the result to the lowest terms or a mixed number.
The result:
3/8 + 1/4 = 5/8 = 0.625
The spelled result in words is five eighths.How do we solve fractions step by step?
- Add: 3/8 + 1/4 = 3/8 + 1 · 2/4 · 2 = 3/8 + 2/8 = 3 + 2/8 = 5/8
It is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal, identical) denominator for adding, subtracting, and comparing fractions. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(8, 4) = 8. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 8 × 4 = 32. In the following intermediate step, it cannot further simplify the fraction result by canceling.
In other words - three eighths plus one quarter is five eighths.
Rules for expressions with fractions:
Fractions - use a forward slash to divide the numerator by the denominator, i.e., for five-hundredths, enter 5/100. If you use mixed numbers, leave a space between the whole and fraction parts.Mixed numerals (mixed numbers or fractions) keep one space between the integer and
fraction and use a forward slash to input fractions i.e., 1 2/3 . An example of a negative mixed fraction: -5 1/2.
Because slash is both sign for fraction line and division, use a colon (:) as the operator of division fractions i.e., 1/2 : 1/3.
Decimals (decimal numbers) enter with a decimal point . and they are automatically converted to fractions - i.e. 1.45.
Math Symbols
| Op | Symbol name | Symbol Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| + | plus sign | addition | 1/2 + 1/3 |
| - | minus sign | subtraction | 1 1/2 - 2/3 |
| * | asterisk | multiplication | 2/3 * 3/4 |
| × | times sign | multiplication | 2/3 × 5/6 |
| : | division sign | division | 1/2 : 3 |
| / | division slash | division | 1/3 / 5 |
| : | colon | complex fraction | 1/2 : 1/3 |
| ^ | caret | exponentiation / power | 1/4^3 |
| () | parentheses | calculate expression inside first | -3/5 - (-1/4) |
See practise with fractions »
Last Modified: October 9, 2024