Fraction calculator
This calculator adds two fractions. First, all fractions are converted to a common denominator when they have different denominators. To do this, find the Least Common Denominator (LCD) or multiply all denominators to determine a common denominator. Once all denominators are the same, add the numerators and place the result over the common denominator. Finally, simplify the result to its lowest terms or convert it to a mixed number.
The result:
1/2 + 1/3 = 5/6 ≅ 0.8333333
The result spelled out in words is five sixths.How do we solve fractions step by step?
- Add: 1/2 + 1/3 = 1 · 3/2 · 3 + 1 · 2/3 · 2 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 3 + 2/6 = 5/6
It is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal, identical) denominator for adding, subtracting, and comparing fractions. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(2, 3) = 6. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 2 × 3 = 6. In the following intermediate step, it cannot further simplify the fraction result by canceling.
In other words, one half plus one third equals five sixths.
Rules for expressions with fractions:
Fractions - write a forward slash to separate the numerator and the denominator, i.e., for five-hundredths, enter 5/100. If you use mixed numbers, leave a space between the whole and fraction parts.Mixed numerals (mixed numbers or fractions) - keep one space between the whole part and fraction and use a forward slash to input fraction i.e., 1 2/3 . A negative mixed fraction write for example as -5 1/2.
A slash is both a sign for fraction line and division, use a colon (:) for division fractions i.e., 1/2 : 1/3.
Decimals (decimal numbers) enter with a decimal dot . and they are automatically converted to fractions - i.e. 1.45.
Math Symbols
| Op | Symbol name | Symbol Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| + | plus sign | addition | 1/2 + 1/3 |
| - | minus sign | subtraction | 1 1/2 - 2/3 |
| * | asterisk | multiplication | 2/3 * 3/4 |
| × | times sign | multiplication | 2/3 × 5/6 |
| : | division sign | division | 1/2 : 3 |
| / | division slash | division | 1/3 / 5 |
| : | colon | complex fraction | 1/2 : 1/3 |
| ^ | caret | exponentiation / power | 1/4^3 |
| () | parentheses | calculate expression inside first | -3/5 - (-1/4) |
See practise with fractions »
Last Modified: March 25, 2025
