1. What is Fraction Reduction?

Fraction reduction simplifies a fraction to its lowest terms by dividing both numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). This creates an equivalent fraction in its simplest form.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Euclidean algorithm to find the GCD:

Example: For 8/12, the GCD is 4, so the reduced fraction is 2/3.

3. Importance of Reduced Fractions

Details: Reduced fractions are easier to work with in calculations and comparisons. They represent the same value in the simplest possible terms.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter positive integers for both numerator and denominator. The calculator will find the GCD and reduce the fraction to simplest form.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if numerator and denominator are co-prime?
A: If GCD is 1, the fraction is already in simplest form (e.g., 3/4).

Q2: Can this handle improper fractions?
A: Yes, the calculator works with both proper and improper fractions.

Q3: What about negative fractions?
A: This calculator only handles positive integers. For negative fractions, reduce the absolute values and apply the sign to the numerator.

Q4: What's the largest number this can handle?
A: Limited by PHP's integer size (typically up to 2^31-1 for 32-bit systems).

Q5: How is this different from simplifying fractions?
A: Reducing and simplifying are essentially the same process - converting a fraction to its lowest terms.