Step-by-Step Fraction Solver
Fraction Calculator That Shows Work
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions and see the work clearly. This calculator helps you understand common denominators, cross multiplication, reciprocal steps, and simplified answers.
Best for students who want to understand fraction steps instead of only getting the final answer.
Fraction Example
1/2 + 1/3
Step 1: Find a common denominator.
Common denominator of 2 and 3 is 6
Step 2: Convert both fractions.
1/2 = 3/6 and 1/3 = 2/6
Step 3: Add the numerators.
3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6
Fraction Calculator With Steps
Enter two fractions and choose an operation
Add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions and see the work. The calculator shows common denominator steps, numerator changes, reciprocal method, and simplified answer.
What this shows
Addition and subtraction use a common denominator. Multiplication multiplies across. Division uses the reciprocal of the second fraction.
Fraction Work
Ready to solve
Enter two fractions, choose an operation, and click “Show Fraction Work” to see the steps.
Need broader math support? Use the Calculator That Shows Work. For simple arithmetic, try the Basic Calculator That Shows Work.
How It Shows Work
It explains the fraction method before the answer
Fractions can be confusing because the method changes based on the operation. This calculator shows which rule is used and how the fraction is simplified.
Reads both fractions
Enter the numerator and denominator for both fractions, then choose addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
Applies the right fraction rule
Addition and subtraction use a common denominator. Multiplication multiplies across. Division flips the second fraction and multiplies.
Shows the step-by-step work
The calculator explains denominator changes, numerator changes, multiplication steps, reciprocal steps, and simplification.
Simplifies the final answer
After solving, the calculator reduces the fraction to its simplest form so the final answer is easier to read.
Fraction Operations
How to add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions
Each fraction operation uses a different method. Addition and subtraction need common denominators, while multiplication and division follow different rules.
Addition
Adding fractions
To add fractions with different denominators, first find a common denominator. Then convert both fractions and add the numerators.
Example: 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6
Subtraction
Subtracting fractions
To subtract fractions, use a common denominator just like addition. Then subtract the second numerator from the first numerator.
Example: 3/4 − 1/8 = 6/8 − 1/8 = 5/8
Multiplication
Multiplying fractions
To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together. Then simplify the result if possible.
Example: 2/3 × 3/5 = 6/15 = 2/5
Division
Dividing fractions
To divide fractions, keep the first fraction, flip the second fraction, then multiply. This is also called using the reciprocal.
Example: 4/5 ÷ 2/3 = 4/5 × 3/2 = 12/10 = 6/5
Quick rule
Use common denominators for addition and subtraction. Multiply straight across for multiplication. Flip the second fraction for division. For broader math questions, use the Calculator That Shows Work.
Fraction Examples
Fraction examples with step-by-step work
These examples show how fraction problems are solved using common denominators, multiplication across, reciprocal division, and simplification.
Example 1
1/2 + 1/3
Step 1: Find the common denominator of 2 and 3. The common denominator is 6.
Step 2: Convert both fractions: 1/2 = 3/6 and 1/3 = 2/6.
Step 3: Add the numerators: 3 + 2 = 5.
Answer: 5/6
Example 2
3/4 − 1/8
Step 1: Find the common denominator of 4 and 8. The common denominator is 8.
Step 2: Convert 3/4 into eighths: 3/4 = 6/8.
Step 3: Subtract the numerators: 6 − 1 = 5.
Answer: 5/8
Example 3
2/3 × 3/5
Step 1: Multiply the numerators: 2 × 3 = 6.
Step 2: Multiply the denominators: 3 × 5 = 15.
Step 3: Simplify 6/15 by dividing by 3.
Answer: 2/5
Example 4
4/5 ÷ 2/3
Step 1: Keep the first fraction: 4/5.
Step 2: Flip the second fraction: 2/3 becomes 3/2.
Step 3: Multiply: 4/5 × 3/2 = 12/10.
Step 4: Simplify 12/10 to 6/5.
Answer: 6/5
Need percentage calculations too? Try the Percentage Calculator With Steps. For broader math questions, use the Calculator That Shows Work.
Common Mistakes
Common fraction mistakes to avoid
Most fraction mistakes happen when students use the same rule for every operation. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division each need the right method.
Mistake 1
Adding denominators
In fraction addition, you do not add denominators directly. You need a common denominator first.
Wrong: 1/2 + 1/3 = 2/5
Correct: 1/2 + 1/3 = 3/6 + 2/6 = 5/6
Mistake 2
Forgetting the common denominator
Addition and subtraction only work directly when the denominators are already the same.
Correct: 3/4 − 1/8 = 6/8 − 1/8 = 5/8
Mistake 3
Using common denominator for multiplication
Multiplication does not need a common denominator. You multiply numerator with numerator and denominator with denominator.
Correct: 2/3 × 3/5 = 6/15 = 2/5
Mistake 4
Not flipping the second fraction in division
When dividing fractions, keep the first fraction, flip the second fraction, then multiply.
Correct: 4/5 ÷ 2/3 = 4/5 × 3/2 = 12/10 = 6/5
Best way to avoid fraction mistakes
First identify the operation. Use common denominators only for addition and subtraction. Multiply straight across for multiplication. Flip the second fraction for division. Use the fraction calculator above to check each step.
Fraction Calculator FAQs
Questions about fraction calculator that shows work
Here are simple answers about adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and simplifying fractions with step-by-step work.
What is a fraction calculator that shows work?
A fraction calculator that shows work solves fraction problems and explains the steps behind the answer. It can help with adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and simplifying fractions.
How do you add fractions with different denominators?
To add fractions with different denominators, first find a common denominator. Then convert both fractions to that denominator, add the numerators, and simplify the final answer.
How do you subtract fractions with different denominators?
To subtract fractions with different denominators, use a common denominator first. Convert both fractions, subtract the numerators, keep the denominator the same, and simplify the result.
How do you multiply fractions?
To multiply fractions, multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together. After that, simplify the fraction if possible.
How do you divide fractions?
To divide fractions, keep the first fraction the same, flip the second fraction to make its reciprocal, then multiply. Finally, simplify the answer.
Does this calculator simplify fractions?
Yes. After solving the fraction problem, the calculator reduces the result to its simplest form whenever simplification is possible.
Can I use this calculator for homework?
Yes, but use it to understand the method and check your work. Do not copy answers blindly. For broader math questions, use the Calculator That Shows Work.
Solve Fractions With Steps
Understand the fraction method, not just the answer
Use this fraction calculator when you want to add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions with clear work, simplified answers, and easy-to-follow steps.
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