Working with Fractions and Decimals

Fractions and decimals are two ways of representing the same thing: parts of a whole. Being fluent in both forms and being able to convert between them is a skill you will use throughout your mathematical career.

Simplifying Fractions

To simplify a fraction, divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor. For example, 24/36 simplifies to 2/3 because GCD(24,36) = 12. A fraction is in lowest terms when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.

Converting Between Forms

Fraction to decimal: divide the numerator by the denominator. Decimal to fraction: write the decimal as a fraction over a power of 10 and simplify. For example, 0.75 = 75/100 = 3/4.

Operations

Addition and subtraction require a common denominator. Multiplication is straightforward: multiply numerators and denominators separately. Division: flip the second fraction and multiply.

Use our Fraction Simplifier and Percentage Calculator for quick computations.