Fraction Calculator
Use our fraction calculator to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions with an easy-to-use and visual design created to work on all devices, including smartphones that you might have in school. Choose between five different modes: fraction calculator, mixed number calculator, simplify fractions, decimal to fractions, and fractions to decimal calculator.
Fractions Calculator
How to Use the Fraction Calculator
We created the fractions calculator to make it helpful for you to use in school or at home. Below is a detailed explanation of each mode and how to use it, along with examples to help you understand.
Fraction Calculator
This mode allows you to add, subtract, multiply, or divide two fractions. It simplifies the result automatically so you don’t have to.
Steps to Use:
- Enter the numerator and denominator for the first fraction.
- Choose the operation (add, subtract, multiply, divide) from the dropdown menu.
- Enter the numerator and denominator for the second fraction.
- Click the Calculate button to see the result.
Example:
- Input: 2/3 plus 3/4
- Output: 17/12 or 1 5/12 simplified
Mixed Numbers Calculator
This mode helps you calculate with mixed numbers, which are whole numbers combined with fractions.
Steps to Use:
- Enter the whole number, numerator, and denominator for the first mixed number.
- Select the operation (add, subtract, multiply, divide).
- Enter the whole number, numerator, and denominator for the second mixed number.
- Click Calculate to get the answer.
Example:
- Input: 1 1/2 multiplied by 2 2/3
- Output: 20/9 or 2 2/9 simplified
Simplify Fractions Calculator
This mode simplifies fractions to their lowest terms.
Steps to Use:
- Enter the numerator and denominator of the fraction.
- Click Calculate to simplify the fraction.
Example:
- Input: 24/36
- Output: 2/3
Decimal to Fraction Calculator
This mode converts decimal numbers into fractions.
Steps to Use:
- Enter the decimal number in the input field.
- Click Calculate to convert the decimal to a fraction.
Example:
- Input: 0.75
- Output: 3/4
Fraction to Decimal Calculator
This mode converts fractions into decimal numbers.
Steps to Use:
- Enter the numerator and denominator of the fraction.
- Click Calculate to see the decimal equivalent.
Example:
- Input: 7/8
- Output: 0.875
What Are Fractions?
Fractions are a way of showing a part of a whole. These represent two numbers: the numerator and the denominator. The numerator, always on top, tells you how many parts are being considered, while the denominator, just below, represents the total number of equal parts that make up the whole.
For example, in the fraction 3/4:
- The numerator (3) shows that three parts are being considered for this problem.
- The denominator (4) shows that the whole is divided into four equal parts.
Fractions can be used in different and multiple ways, such as:
- Representing quantities smaller than a whole, like 1/2 of a pizza.
- Comparing two quantities, like 3/4 being larger than 2/3.
- Solving problems in math, science, and daily life, such as dividing a bill or measuring ingredients or running a picker truck at work.
Fractions are classified into three main types:
- Proper Fractions: The numerator is smaller than the denominator (e.g., 2/3).
- Improper Fractions: The numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator (e.g., 7/4).
- Mixed Numbers: A combination of a whole number and a proper fraction (e.g., 1 1/2).
Fractions are an important part of arithmetic and are used in both simple calculations and advanced mathematical concepts. They allow for accurate representation of parts and comparisons, making them fundamental to understanding numbers and proportions.
How to Easily Learn to Calculate Fractions
When I first started learning fractions, I faced many complications. I knew the basics, like how to calculate half a fraction by another half a fraction, which equals a whole. As we get older and take on more advanced jobs, like picker and crane operations, we need to know fractions as required by the government. I began by watching YouTube videos and learning from mathematicians who teach math for a living. In the end, I can thank YouTube for teaching me how to calculate fractions.
1. Understand the Basics
Before getting into fractions, it’s important to understand the key parts of a fraction:
- Numerator: The number on top, representing the part of the whole.
- Denominator: The number on the bottom, representing the total parts of the whole.
For example, in 3/4, the numerator is 3, and the denominator is 4.
2. Learn Common Operations with Fractions
Addition and Subtraction
- Rule: You can only add or subtract fractions with the same denominator.
- If denominators are different, find the least common denominator (LCD), then adjust the numerators accordingly.
Example:
1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4 (same denominator)
1/3 + 1/4 = 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12 (different denominators)
Multiplication
- Multiply the numerators together and the denominators together.
- Simplify the result if possible. On most math tests, teachers will want the simplified version.
Example:
2/3 × 3/4 = 6/12 = 1/2
Division
- Flip the second fraction (reciprocal) and multiply.
- Simplify the result.
Example:
2/3 ÷ 4/5 = 2/3 × 5/4 = 10/12 = 5/6
3. Practice Simplifying Fractions
Simplifying means reducing the fraction to its lowest terms by dividing the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).
Example:
8/12 can be simplified to 2/3 because the GCD of 8 and 12 is 4.
4. Convert Between Fractions and Mixed Numbers
Improper fractions can be converted to mixed numbers and vice versa:
Example:
7/4 = 1 3/4
1 3/4 = 7/4
5. Use Visual Aids and Tools
- Draw fraction bars or circles to visualize the problem.
- Use fraction calculators (like ours) to double-check your answers and build confidence.
6. Practice with Real-Life Examples
Fractions are everywhere! Practice calculating fractions by:
- Splitting a pizza among friends.
- Measuring ingredients in recipes.
- Comparing discounts during shopping.
7. Start with Simple Problems
The best and fastest way to learn fractions is to start with simple problems and then move up to more complex fractions. This is what you will need to pass tests and apprenticeship practical’s.
After you learn the basics, you can apply this knowledge to calculate more complex problems. Most complex fractions can be broken down and solved using simple fraction operations.
Why Use The Fractions Calculator?
Math comes in handy at times throughout life, but not all the time. For example, I tried to get my picker truck apprenticeship, and I read through the requirements. The requirements for that include a long list, including having a good knowledge of math, specifically fractions. For an apprenticeship like that, you need to prove to your provincial or state government that you have some form of grade 12 equivalent education, which includes math, and therefore, fractions.
Fractions can also be used when sharing food for events and parties. Dividing a pizza or cake into equal slices involves fractions. For example, if a pizza has 8 slices and 3 people eat 2 slices each, 6/8 (or 3/4) of the pizza is gone. Another example is when it’s time to pay the bill. You can use our fractions calculator to divide the bill, especially when there’s a tip involved.
You can also use the fractions calculator for time management. Time is often divided into fractions. For example, a 30-minute task is 1/2 an hour, and a 15-minute break is 1/4 of an hour. Fractions are also used in sports events; for instance, 1/4 of the game is remaining if the game has four quarters.
At the end of the day, fractions can be found in everyday life—from financial planning to health and fitness to navigation. We need to know fractions every day, but that doesn’t mean you need to be a mathematician to get through life. You can simply use fraction calculators like this one right at your fingertips to get through life with ease and without worry.