Fraction Calculator: Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide with Working
Free fraction calculator with step-by-step working. Add, subtract, multiply, divide, simplify fractions and convert mixed numbers for PSLE and O-Level.
Fraction Calculator with Step-by-Step Working
Add, subtract, multiply, divide, simplify fractions, and convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions. See the complete working for every calculation.
Free Fraction Calculator
Use this calculator to perform any fraction operation with full step-by-step working. Perfect for checking your homework, understanding the method, or learning how fraction operations work.
Fraction Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
- Select an operation: Choose from Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide, Simplify, or Convert
- Enter your fractions: Use the input fields for whole number, numerator, and denominator
- Click Calculate: See the answer and complete step-by-step working
- Learn the method: Study the steps to understand how to solve it yourself
💡 Mixed Numbers
For mixed numbers like 2³⁄₄, enter “2” in the whole number box, “3” as the numerator, and “4” as the denominator. For simple fractions like ³⁄₄, leave the whole number box empty or enter “0”.
Fraction Operations Explained
Adding and Subtracting Fractions
To add or subtract fractions, you need a common denominator.
Same denominator:
Different denominators:
Finding the Common Denominator
Find the LCM (Lowest Common Multiple) of the denominators. Then convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with that denominator.
Multiplying Fractions
Multiplication is straightforward: multiply across.
💡 Simplify First
You can simplify before multiplying to make the numbers smaller. This is called “cross-cancelling”.
Dividing Fractions (Keep-Change-Flip)
To divide fractions, use the KCF method:
- Keep the first fraction
- Change ÷ to ×
- Flip the second fraction (reciprocal)
Simplifying Fractions
To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and denominator by their GCD (Greatest Common Divisor).
A fraction is fully simplified when the GCD of numerator and denominator is 1.
Converting Mixed Numbers and Improper Fractions
Mixed → Improper: Multiply the whole number by the denominator, then add the numerator.
Improper → Mixed: Divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number, the remainder is the new numerator.
(because 11 ÷ 4 = 2 remainder 3)
Common Fraction Mistakes
Mistake 1: Adding denominators
✗ ½ + ⅓ = ²⁄₅ (WRONG - you added denominators)
✓ ½ + ⅓ = ³⁄₆ + ²⁄₆ = ⁵⁄₆ (CORRECT)
Mistake 2: Forgetting to flip when dividing
✗ ²⁄₃ ÷ ⁴⁄₅ = ²⁄₃ × ⁴⁄₅ (WRONG - didn’t flip)
✓ ²⁄₃ ÷ ⁴⁄₅ = ²⁄₃ × ⁵⁄₄ = ¹⁰⁄₁₂ = ⁵⁄₆ (CORRECT)
Mistake 3: Not simplifying the final answer
✗ ⁶⁄₈ (not fully simplified)
✓ ⁶⁄₈ = ³⁄₄ (simplified by dividing by 2)
Quick Reference Table
| Operation | Method | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Add/Subtract | Find common denominator, add/subtract numerators | ¹⁄₄ + ²⁄₄ = ³⁄₄ |
| Multiply | Multiply numerators, multiply denominators | ²⁄₃ × ³⁄₄ = ⁶⁄₁₂ = ¹⁄₂ |
| Divide | Keep-Change-Flip, then multiply | ²⁄₃ ÷ ¹⁄₂ = ²⁄₃ × ²⁄₁ = ⁴⁄₃ |
| Simplify | Divide by GCD | ⁸⁄₁₂ = ²⁄₃ |
| Mixed → Improper | (whole × denom) + numer | 2¹⁄₄ = ⁹⁄₄ |
| Improper → Mixed | Divide, quotient + remainder | ⁷⁄₃ = 2¹⁄₃ |
Fraction Tips for Exams
For PSLE Students
- Always show your working for method marks
- Simplify your final answer
- Convert improper fractions to mixed numbers unless told otherwise
- Check by converting to decimals
For O-Level Students
- Fractions with algebra work the same way
- Factorise before simplifying
- Keep answers as fractions (more accurate than decimals)
- Watch for restrictions (denominator ≠ 0)
Why Learn Fractions?
Fractions are fundamental to mathematics. You’ll use them in:
- Ratios and proportions (PSLE word problems)
- Algebra (solving equations, simplifying expressions)
- Probability (chances are often expressed as fractions)
- Real life (cooking, measuring, dividing things equally)
Understanding fractions deeply — not just memorizing steps — will help you in more advanced math topics.
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