Fraction Operations:
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This calculator performs two fundamental operations with fractions: addition and division. Fraction operations are essential in mathematics and appear in various real-world applications from cooking to engineering.
The calculator performs either addition or division of two fractions based on your selection:
The result is displayed as both a simplified fraction and its decimal equivalent.
Addition Formula: To add two fractions, find a common denominator by multiplying the denominators, then add the numerators.
Division Formula: To divide two fractions, multiply the first fraction by the reciprocal of the second fraction.
Steps: Enter numerators and denominators for both fractions, select the operation (addition or division), and click Calculate. The calculator will display the result in fraction form and decimal form.
Note: Denominators cannot be zero. For division, the second fraction's numerator cannot be zero.
Q1: Why do we need a common denominator for addition?
A: Fractions can only be added directly when they have the same denominator, as this represents equal-sized parts.
Q2: Why does division of fractions involve multiplication?
A: Dividing by a fraction is equivalent to multiplying by its reciprocal (flipped version).
Q3: How does the calculator simplify fractions?
A: It finds the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the numerator and denominator and divides both by this number.
Q4: What if I get an improper fraction as a result?
A: Improper fractions (where numerator > denominator) are valid results and can be converted to mixed numbers if desired.
Q5: Can I enter negative fractions?
A: Yes, the calculator handles negative values in either numerator or denominator.