Fraction Calculator

About Fractions

A fraction represents a part of a whole number and consists of a numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number). The numerator represents how many parts we have, while the denominator represents the total number of equal parts in the whole.

Fraction Operations

• Addition (+): Find a common denominator, then add numerators • Subtraction (-): Find a common denominator, then subtract numerators • Multiplication (×): Multiply numerators and denominators separately • Division (÷): Multiply by the reciprocal (flip the second fraction)

Simplifying Fractions

To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and denominator by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD). For example, 8/12 simplifies to 2/3 because 4 is the GCD of 8 and 12.

Mixed Numbers

When a fraction's numerator is greater than its denominator, it can be expressed as a mixed number. For example, 5/2 can be written as 2 1/2, where 2 is the whole number and 1/2 is the remaining fraction.

Tips

• Always check for common factors when simplifying • When dividing by a fraction, multiply by its reciprocal • A fraction with denominator 1 is a whole number • Any number divided by zero is undefined