Easy-to-follow steps for how to add fractions on desmos

Hannah Aren

2 min read

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21-12-2024

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Desmos, a powerful online graphing calculator, can handle more than just plotting graphs. It's also surprisingly adept at simplifying and calculating fractions, making it a handy tool for students and anyone working with fractional arithmetic. This guide provides easy-to-follow steps on how to add fractions on Desmos, even complex ones.

Understanding Fraction Input in Desmos

Before diving into addition, let's clarify how Desmos interprets fractions. Desmos uses the forward slash (/) symbol to represent the fraction bar. For example, one-half is written as 1/2, one-third as 1/3, and so on. This simple notation is key to performing fraction calculations within Desmos.

Adding Simple Fractions on Desmos

Let's start with adding two simple fractions, such as 1/2 + 1/4. Here's how you do it:

1. Open Desmos: Go to www.desmos.com/calculator and open the online calculator.

2. Enter the Equation: In the input bar, type 1/2 + 1/4. Make sure to use the forward slash (/) to separate the numerator and denominator.

3. View the Result: Desmos will instantly calculate and display the result: 3/4. It simplifies the fraction for you!

Adding More Complex Fractions on Desmos

Desmos can handle more complex fraction additions with ease. For example, let's add 2/3 + 5/6 + 1/2:

1. Enter the Equation: Type the entire equation into the Desmos input bar: 2/3 + 5/6 + 1/2

2. Observe the Result: Desmos will calculate and display the simplified answer. In this case, it will show 11/6 or, potentially, the mixed number 1 5/6, depending on Desmos's display settings.

Handling Mixed Numbers in Desmos

While Desmos readily accepts simple fractions, it doesn't directly support entering mixed numbers using the typical mixed-number notation (e.g., 1 1/2). To add mixed numbers, you must first convert them into improper fractions.

For example, to add 1 1/2 + 2 1/4:

1. Convert to Improper Fractions: Convert 1 1/2 to 3/2 and 2 1/4 to 9/4.

2. Enter the Improper Fractions: Type 3/2 + 9/4 into Desmos.

3. Get the Result: Desmos will calculate and simplify the result, giving you the answer as 15/4 or the mixed number 3 3/4.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Parentheses: Use parentheses to group complex expressions to ensure correct order of operations. For example, (1/2 + 1/3) * 2 will correctly calculate the sum of the fractions before multiplying by 2.
• Decimal Equivalents: If you need the decimal equivalent of a fraction, Desmos will display it alongside the simplified fraction (if possible).

By following these steps, you can effectively add fractions of any complexity using Desmos's intuitive interface. This powerful tool simplifies fraction calculations, allowing you to focus on understanding the concepts rather than getting bogged down in manual calculations. Remember, converting mixed numbers to improper fractions is crucial for accurate results in Desmos.