Fraction Calculator (With Steps)
Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of fractions. Shows step-by-step reduction using GCD to help students and professionals.
About
Working with fractions requires a solid grasp of finding Common Denominators and simplifying results. This calculator not only solves standard arithmetic operations (Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide) but also visualizes the intermediate steps. This feature is particularly useful for students checking their homework or tradespeople (like carpenters) needing precise measurements without converting to decimals.
The tool includes a high-performance Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) algorithm to ensure that even large, unwieldy fractions are reduced to their simplest form instantly. It handles improper fractions and ensures the final output is mathematically elegant.
Formulas
To reduce a fraction to its lowest terms, divide both the numerator and the denominator by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD).
For addition and subtraction, the Least Common Multiple (LCM) of the denominators is often used to keep numbers smaller, though simply multiplying denominators (b × d) is valid as long as the result is reduced at the end.
Reference Data
| Operation | Rule / Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Addition | ab + cd = ad + bcbd | 1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6 |
| Subtraction | ab − cd = ad − bcbd | 3/4 - 1/4 = 1/2 |
| Multiplication | ab × cd = acbd | 2/3 ร 3/4 = 1/2 |
| Division | ab ÷ cd = adbc | 1/2 รท 1/4 = 2/1 |