This Addition of Fractions Calculator helps you add two fractions and shows the working clearly step by step. First find a common denominator, then rewrite the fractions so they have the same bottom number. Add the numerators, keep the denominator the same, and simplify the final fraction if possible. It is a simple way to check answers, understand fraction addition, and practise basic arithmetic step by step.
Step-by-step method
- Set up the problem.
- Make the bottom numbers match. (Same bottom = same-size pieces.)
- Add the top numbers. Keep the bottom the same.
- Simplify if you can (divide top and bottom by the same number).
Example 1: 1/2 + 3/4
Step 1 - Set up the problem.
In this problem: We are adding 1/2 and 3/4.
Step 2 - Make the bottom numbers match. (Same bottom = same-size pieces.)
In this problem: The bottom numbers are 2 and 4. A good shared bottom number is 4. So we change both fractions into equal fractions with the same bottom number.
Step 3 - Add the top numbers. Keep the bottom the same.
In this problem: Now both fractions have bottom 4, so we add the top numbers: 2 + 3 = 5.
Step 4 - Simplify if you can (divide top and bottom by the same number).
In this problem: The numbers 5 and 4 do not share a bigger common factor, so it is already simplified.
Final answer: 1/2 + 3/4 = 5/4
Example 2: 5/6 + 1/3
Step 1 - Set up the problem.
In this problem: We are adding 5/6 and 1/3.
Step 2 - Make the bottom numbers match. (Same bottom = same-size pieces.)
In this problem: The bottom numbers are 6 and 3. A good shared bottom number is 6. So we change both fractions into equal fractions with the same bottom number.
Step 3 - Add the top numbers. Keep the bottom the same.
In this problem: Now both fractions have bottom 6, so we add the top numbers: 5 + 2 = 7.
Step 4 - Simplify if you can (divide top and bottom by the same number).
In this problem: The numbers 7 and 6 do not share a bigger common factor, so it is already simplified.
Final answer: 5/6 + 1/3 = 7/6