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Fraction Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with step-by-step simplification and decimal answers.

Results update instantly.Change any value and the estimate recalculates on the spot.

Math

Fractions

Add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with simplified answers and steps.

Result (simplified)

-

  • Decimal-
  • Steps-

Denominators cannot be zero, and you cannot divide by a zero fraction.

How to use this calculator

1. Enter both fractions. 2. Pick the operation. 3. Read the simplified fraction, its decimal, and the steps.

Worked example

1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6, which is 0.8333 as a decimal.

How the math works

Addition and subtraction use a common denominator: a/b + c/d = (ad + bc) / bd. Multiplication multiplies straight across: a/b x c/d = ac / bd. Division flips the second fraction: a/b ÷ c/d = ad / bc. The result is reduced by dividing numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

How do you add fractions?
Give them a common denominator, add the numerators, and keep the denominator: 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.
How do you simplify a fraction?
Divide the top and bottom by their greatest common divisor. For 4/6, the GCD is 2, so it simplifies to 2/3.
What is the greatest common divisor?
The largest whole number that divides both the numerator and denominator evenly. It is what lets you reduce a fraction to simplest form.
How do you divide fractions?
Flip the second fraction and multiply: 1/2 ÷ 1/3 = 1/2 x 3/1 = 3/2.
Why can't the denominator be zero?
Division by zero is undefined in math, so a fraction with a zero denominator has no value.
How do you convert a fraction to a decimal?
Divide the numerator by the denominator: 5/6 = 5 ÷ 6 = 0.8333.

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How it works

How the Fraction Calculator works

Quick answer: To add fractions, cross-multiply to a common denominator and simplify: 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.

Formula

a/b + c/d = (ad + cb) ÷ bd
a/b × c/d = ac ÷ bd
a/b ÷ c/d = ad ÷ bc
Simplify by dividing by the greatest common divisor

Denominators cannot be zero.

Worked example

1/2 + 1/3: 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6. Decimal: 0.8333.

1/2 combined with 1/3

OperationResultDecimal
Add5/60.8333Open
Subtract1/60.1667Open
Multiply1/60.1667Open
Divide3/21.5000Open

Frequently asked questions

How do you add fractions?

Give them a common denominator, add the numerators, and keep the denominator: 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6.

How do you simplify a fraction?

Divide the top and bottom by their greatest common divisor. For 4/6, the GCD is 2, so it simplifies to 2/3.

What is the greatest common divisor?

The largest whole number that divides both the numerator and denominator evenly. It is what lets you reduce a fraction to simplest form.

How do you divide fractions?

Flip the second fraction and multiply: 1/2 ÷ 1/3 = 1/2 x 3/1 = 3/2.

Why can't the denominator be zero?

Division by zero is undefined in math, so a fraction with a zero denominator has no value.

How do you convert a fraction to a decimal?

Divide the numerator by the denominator: 5/6 = 5 ÷ 6 = 0.8333.

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