Math
Fraction operations.
Definition
The four basic operations—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—performed on fractions. To add or subtract, you need a common denominator; to multiply, multiply straight across; to divide, multiply by the reciprocal.
How it works · 6 phases
Step by step.
- Find a common denominator for addition or subtraction.
- Rewrite each fraction with the common denominator.
- Add or subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator.
- For multiplication, multiply numerators together and denominators together.
- For division, flip the second fraction and multiply.
- Simplify the result by dividing numerator and denominator by their GCF.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 1/3 + 1/4 = 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12
- 2 2/5 × 3/7 = 6/35
- 3 3/4 ÷ 2/3 = 3/4 × 3/2 = 9/8
Key Fact
To divide fractions: a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c