What is the difference between 1 8 and 3 32

In the example above, the denominators were 4, 6, and 2. The least common multiple is the first shared multiple of these three numbers. The first multiple they all share is 12, so this is the least common multiple. To complete an addition or subtraction problem, multiply the numerators and denominators of each fraction in the problem by whatever value will make the denominators 12, then add the numerators.

Fraction subtraction is essentially the same as fraction addition. A common denominator is required for the operation to occur. Refer to the addition section as well as the equations below for clarification. Multiplying fractions is fairly straightforward. Unlike adding and subtracting, it is not necessary to compute a common denominator in order to multiply fractions.

Simply, the numerators and denominators of each fraction are multiplied, and the result forms a new numerator and denominator. If possible, the solution should be simplified. Refer to the equations below for clarification. The process for dividing fractions is similar to that for multiplying fractions. In order to divide fractions, the fraction in the numerator is multiplied by the reciprocal of the fraction in the denominator. The reciprocal of a number a is simply 1 a.

When a is a fraction, this essentially involves exchanging the position of the numerator and the denominator. The reciprocal of the fraction 3 4 would therefore be 4 3. It is often easier to work with simplified fractions. As such, fraction solutions are commonly expressed in their simplified forms. The calculator provided returns fraction inputs in both improper fraction form as well as mixed number form.

In both cases, fractions are presented in their lowest forms by dividing both numerator and denominator by their greatest common factor. Converting from decimals to fractions is straightforward. It does, however, require the understanding that each decimal place to the right of the decimal point represents a power of 10; the first decimal place being 10 1 , the second 10 2 , the third 10 3 , and so on. Simply determine what power of 10 the decimal extends to, use that power of 10 as the denominator, enter each number to the right of the decimal point as the numerator, and simplify.

For example, looking at the number 0. This would make the fraction , which simplifies to , since the greatest common factor between the numerator and denominator is 2.

Similarly, fractions with denominators that are powers of 10 or can be converted to powers of 10 can be translated to decimal form using the same principles. Take the fraction 1 2 for example. Rules for expressions with fractions: Fractions - simply use a forward slash between the numerator and denominator, i.

If you are using mixed numbers, be sure to leave a single space between the whole and fraction part. The slash separates the numerator number above a fraction line and denominator number below. Mixed numerals mixed fractions or mixed numbers write as integer separated by one space and fraction i.

Because slash is both signs for fraction line and division, we recommended use colon : as the operator of division fractions i. Decimals decimal numbers enter with a decimal point.