Fraction Pro

Built for Gloves AND Learning

Fraction Pro started as a simple calculator for tradespeople—three big keypads designed for gloved hands. But we realized it could be so much more. Now it's also a powerful learning tool that helps you understand the "why" behind fraction math.

📐 Show Your Work - Educational Feature

Press the 📐 button after any calculation to see detailed, visual explanations:

Visual Learning Elements

• Fraction Bars: Green filled segments show what fractions actually look like
• Box Grids: Area models demonstrate multiplication visually
• Place Value Charts: Break down addition and subtraction step-by-step
• Grouping Models: Division shown as equal groups with visual blocks

Two Teaching Methods

Switch between tabs to see both approaches:

• Traditional Method: The way most adults learned—convert to improper fractions, find common denominators, multiply straight across
• Common Core Method: How kids learn today—visual models, breaking numbers into parts, understanding the concepts

All Operations Covered

• Addition: Common denominators with visual fraction bars
• Subtraction: Shows borrowing/regrouping when needed
• Multiplication: Area models break down (whole + fraction) × (whole + fraction)
• Division: Keep-Change-Flip explained with reciprocals

Works for Everything

• Whole numbers (50 + 12)
• Simple fractions (3/4 + 5/8)
• Mixed numbers (6 1/8 × 2 2/8)
• Decimal to fraction conversion

🔧 Calculator Features

👥 Perfect For

How to Add and Subtract Fractions (the Common Core Way)

If you're helping with fraction homework and the "Common Core method" looks foreign, here's the whole thing in plain steps. It's the same math you learned — it just shows every step so kids understand why, not just the answer.

Adding or subtracting fractions with unlike denominators

1. Find a common denominator. Use the least common denominator (LCD) — the smallest number both bottoms divide into. For 1/3 + 1/4, the LCD is 12.
2. Make equivalent fractions. Multiply the top and bottom of each by whatever makes the denominator the LCD: 1/3 = 4/12, 1/4 = 3/12.
3. Add or subtract the numerators. Keep the denominator: 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.
4. Simplify. Reduce to lowest terms, and turn a top-heavy answer into a mixed number. (7/12 is already simplest.)

Why the "Common Core" version looks different

It's the same steps, just drawn out visually and explained so kids grasp that you can only add pieces of the same size — which is the whole reason for a common denominator. That understanding is the point of the homework, and it's why a calculator that only spits out "7/12" doesn't actually help.

Fraction Pro's Show Your Work explains how it got the answer, step by step. The Traditional method — the way you learned in school — is free forever, full working and all. The Common Core method — visual area models and the concept-based steps built for parents decoding today's homework — is an optional one-time unlock (no subscription). Get Fraction Pro free on Google Play →

Fraction Help FAQ

How do you add fractions with different denominators?

Find a common denominator, rewrite each fraction over it, add or subtract the numerators, then simplify. Example: 1/3 + 1/4 → 4/12 + 3/12 = 7/12.

What is the Common Core way to add fractions?

The same math, shown step by step with visual models so kids understand why fractions need a common denominator before you add them. Fraction Pro's Show Your Work walks those exact steps.

Is there a fraction calculator that shows the steps?

Yes — Fraction Pro's Show Your Work walks every step of the Traditional method for free (common denominator, equivalent fractions, add/subtract, simplify), not just the answer. The Common Core method adds visual area models and concept-based steps as an optional one-time unlock.

Can it help my kid with fraction homework?

Yes — the Traditional step-by-step method is free forever (the full working, not just the answer). The Common Core method — visual models and concept steps built for parents decoding today's homework — is a one-time unlock, no subscription.

Does it handle mixed numbers and simplifying?

Yes — it handles mixed numbers, reduces to simplest form, and converts between improper fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals.

Does it work for construction and tape-measure math too?

Yes — glove-friendly keypads, tape-measure precision down to 1/16 and 1/32, and mm-to-inch conversion. The same app for the shop and the homework table.

The ProDirt Difference

Like all ProDirt apps, Fraction Pro follows our core principles:

• No Subscriptions: Free calculator forever, plus the full Traditional step-by-step method. Optional one-time purchase for the Common Core method (visual models and concept steps).
• Privacy First: Your calculations stay on your device. No cloud uploads, no tracking.
• Works Offline: No internet required. Use it on the job site, in the classroom, anywhere.
• Built by Real People: Designed by someone who actually works with fractions daily and helps kids with homework.