1. What is Negative Fraction?

A negative fraction is a fraction where either the numerator or the denominator (but not both) is negative, or where there's a negative sign before the fraction. The calculator demonstrates that -(a/b) is equivalent to -a/b.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the negative fraction formula:

Where:

• \( a \) — numerator
• \( b \) — denominator (cannot be zero)

Explanation: The negative sign can be placed before the entire fraction or just in the numerator - both forms are mathematically equivalent.

3. Mathematical Explanation

Details: This equivalence comes from the distributive property of multiplication over division. The negative sign is equivalent to multiplying by -1, and multiplication can be applied to either the numerator or the entire fraction.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter any real numbers for numerator and denominator (denominator cannot be zero). The calculator will show both forms of the negative fraction.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does it matter where the negative sign is placed?
A: Mathematically no, but conventionally we usually place it either before the fraction or before the numerator.

Q2: What if both numerator and denominator are negative?
A: Then the fraction is positive because the negatives cancel out (-a/-b = a/b).

Q3: Can the denominator be zero?
A: No, division by zero is undefined in mathematics.

Q4: Does this work for complex numbers?
A: Yes, the same principle applies to complex numbers.

Q5: How is this different from (-a)/(-b)?
A: (-a)/(-b) simplifies to a/b (positive), while -(a/b) or -a/b is negative.