zztool What is a Fraction?
A fraction represents a part of a whole. It consists of a numerator (top number) and denominator (bottom number), indicating how many equal parts of the whole are taken. For example, 3/4 means 3 parts out of 4 equal parts.
Fraction Operations
a/b ± c/d = (ad ± bc) / bdFind common denominator first, then add/subtract numerators
a/b × c/d = ac / bdMultiply numerators, multiply denominators
a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/cMultiply by the reciprocal
a/b = (a÷n) / (b÷n)Divide both by GCD
Calculation Tips
- ✓ For addition/subtraction, find the LCM as common denominator
- ✓ For multiplication, multiply straight across
- ✓ For division, multiply by the reciprocal
- ✓ Always simplify the result to lowest terms
- ✓ Convert mixed numbers to improper fractions before calculating
FAQ
What is a simplified fraction?
A simplified (or reduced) fraction has a GCD of 1 between numerator and denominator. For example, 3/4 is simplified, but 6/8 is not (it reduces to 3/4).
What is a mixed number?
A mixed number combines a whole number and a proper fraction, like 2⅓. It converts to an improper fraction: 2⅓ = (2×3+1)/3 = 7/3.
How to find common denominator?
Find the LCM (Least Common Multiple) of the denominators. Then multiply each fraction's numerator and denominator by the appropriate factor.
How to convert fraction to decimal?
Divide the numerator by the denominator. For example, 3/4 = 3÷4 = 0.75. Some fractions give repeating decimals, like 1/3 = 0.333...
Helpful for students.
Great for math problems!
Simplifies fractions easily.