Fractions Calculator: Add, Subtract, Multiply and Divide Fractions

What are Fractions?

Fractions are parts of a whole. They show us how many pieces we have out of a total number of equal pieces. For example, if you cut a pizza into 8 slices and eat 3, you've eaten 3/8 of the pizza!

How to Calculate with Fractions

We can add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. Each operation has its own special steps, but they all involve working with the numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number) of the fractions.

Formula

A fraction is written like this:

\[ \frac{a}{b} \]

Where:

• \(a\) is the numerator (the number of parts we have)
• \(b\) is the denominator (the total number of parts)

Calculation Steps

1. Adding fractions: Find a common denominator, then add the numerators
2. Subtracting fractions: Find a common denominator, then subtract the numerators
3. Multiplying fractions: Multiply the numerators together and denominators together
4. Dividing fractions: Flip the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply
5. Simplify the result if possible

Example and Visual Representation

Let's add two fractions: 1/4 + 2/3

Step 1: Find a common denominator (12 in this case)

Step 2: Convert fractions to equivalent fractions with this denominator

1/4 = 3/12 and 2/3 = 8/12

Step 3: Add the numerators

3/12 + 8/12 = 11/12

Let's show this with a picture:

In this picture, the top bar shows 1/4 (blue), the middle bar shows 2/3 (green), and the bottom bar shows the sum 11/12 (yellow). Each bar is divided into 12 parts to show the common denominator.