Fraction Operation Formulas
Addition/Subtraction: a/b ± c/d = (ad ± cb) ÷ bd
Multiplication: a/b × c/d = ac ÷ bd
Division: a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c = ad ÷ bc
Simplifying the Result
After computing the raw result, this calculator finds the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator and divides both by it, ensuring the fraction is always presented in its simplest form.
Why Common Denominators Matter for Addition
Fractions can only be directly added or subtracted once they share a common denominator — cross-multiplying (as this calculator does) is a shortcut that finds a common denominator (bd) automatically without needing to find the least common multiple manually.