In this article we will learn how to add fractions in java, fraction addition in programming has a certain technique, which is different than adding two simple datatypes, here we will learn how we can do that.
The logic to add fractions
In mathematics, the concept of rationalization is used to add two fractions i.e. before we add two fractions, we make sure that the denominator of both the fractions is the same, if not, the denominator and numerator of the fraction whose denominator is different. The common denominator is called the LCM and it is multiplied with both fractions. After this, the new numerators are then added. For example, if we want to add two fractions
â…“ +â…˜
The denominators will be made the same
â…“*5 + â…˜ *3
New fractions become
5/15 + 12/15
And the answer will be
17/15
Java Environment
Before moving on, make sure you have the latest java version installed in your system. To check that type the following command on your windows command line.
java -version
And the output must be something like this
If java is not recognized by your system, please install the latest java jdk visit oracle downloads for this.
How to add fractions in java
Now in Java, we first find the LCM of the two fractions. Then divide the LCM all the denominators and multiply the quotient by a fraction for a common denominator and then finally add them all up.
Add Fractions in Java using simple addition
First lets look at a code where we try to add fractions in java by simply adding them up
class addFractions {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        double fraction1 = 1 / 2;
        double fraction2 = 1 / 3;
        double fraction3 = 1 / 4;
        double addFractions = fraction1 + fraction2 + fraction3;
        System.out.println(addFractions);
    }
}
The output is
0
As you can see, it does not add up right. Now let's add fractions in java using logic.
Add Fractions in Java using Cross Multiplication
We cross multiply the numerators and denominators and find the result. Like in the code below
class addFractions {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
// initialise numerator of first fraction
        int numerator1 = 2;
// initialise numerator of second fraction
        int denominator1 = 3;
// initialise numerator of second fraction
        int numerator2 = 4;
// initialise denominator of second fraction
        int denominator2 = 5;
// use the cross multiplication rule
        int numerator3 = numerator1 * denominator2 + numerator2 * denominator1;
// find lcm
        int denominator3 = denominator1 * denominator2;
// print the results.
        System.out.println(numerator3 + "/" + denominator3);
    }
}
The output of this code is :
22/15
Add Fractions in Java Using Fractions Class
In java a class can be created for simplicity, in this part of code, we will create Fraction class and then add fractions.
Code
import java.util.*;
import java.lang.*;
class Fractions {
    int numerator;
    int denominator;
    public Fractions(int numerator, int denominator) {
        this.numerator = numerator;
        this.denominator = denominator;
    }
    int getNumerator() {
        return numerator;
    }
    int getDenominator() {
        return denominator;
    }
    Fractions add(Fractions f) {
        int numerator = this.numerator * f.getDenominator() + f.getNumerator() * this.denominator;
        int denominator = this.denominator * f.getDenominator();
        return new Fractions(numerator, denominator);
    }
    void print() {
        System.out.println(numerator + "/" + denominator);
    }
}
class addFractions {
    // add fractions using Fraction class
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        // initialize fraction 1
        Fractions f1 = new Fractions(1, 2);
        // initialize fraction 2
        Fractions f2 = new Fractions(1, 3);
        // initialize fraction 3
        Fractions f3 = new Fractions(1, 4);
        // initialize fraction 4
        Fractions f4 = new Fractions(1, 5);
        // Add fractions 1 and 2
        Fractions f5 = f1.add(f2);
        // Add fractions 3 and 4
        Fractions f6 = f3.add(f4);
        // Add fractions 5 and 6
        Fractions f7 = f5.add(f6);
        // Print the result
        f7.print();
    }
}
The output of this code is :
154/120
 Conclusion
In this article different ways how to add fractions in java. First, we studied that normal addition cannot work with fractions, then we studied the cross multiplication technique, and then we created a java class to make the addition of fractions easier.
Further Reading
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