How This Fraction Calculator Works
This fraction calculator takes two values, in fraction form (like 3/4), as a whole number, or as a decimal, and performs the operation you choose using exact integer arithmetic throughout, so results are never rounded until the very end. As a fraction calculator with steps, it shows the actual working, the least common denominator used, the intermediate numerators, and the final simplified answer, not just the result on its own.
Six Operations: Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide, Simplify, and Compare
As an add fractions calculator or subtract fractions calculator, it finds a common denominator automatically before combining the two values. The multiply fractions calculator and divide fractions calculator modes work directly on numerators and denominators, no common denominator needed for those two operations. Simplify mode acts as a standalone simplify fraction calculator, reducing a single fraction to lowest terms. Compare mode works as a compare fractions calculator, cross-multiplying to determine whether the first fraction is greater than, less than, or equal to the second.
Understanding the Least Common Denominator
To add or subtract two fractions with different denominators, both need to be rewritten over a shared denominator first, the least common denominator calculator step inside this tool finds the smallest number both denominators divide into evenly, then scales each fraction's numerator to match before combining them, this is exactly the process shown in the step-by-step output.
Common Uses
Checking homework or verifying a hand-worked fraction problem, converting a recipe measurement or scaled ratio that involves fractional amounts, and using this as a fraction to decimal calculator to see an exact fraction's decimal equivalent are the most common uses. Comparing two fractions to determine which represents a larger portion, and simplifying an unwieldy fraction down to its lowest terms, are common secondary uses.
What This Tool Doesn't Do
This tool works with two fractions at a time, it doesn't chain more than one operation together in a single calculation (like adding three fractions at once), repeat the calculation using the result as one of the next inputs instead. It also doesn't accept mixed-number notation directly (like 1 1/2), enter mixed numbers as an improper fraction (3/2) or a decimal (1.5) instead.