A computational tool designed to perform arithmetic operations on numbers that can be expressed as a fraction p/q, where p and q are integers and q is not zero. For instance, it can add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions like 1/2 and 3/4, providing results in either fractional or decimal form. This functionality contrasts with standard calculators, which primarily handle decimal representations and may introduce rounding errors when dealing with non-terminating decimals representing such values.
The value of such instruments lies in their capacity to maintain precision throughout calculations involving fractional values. This is especially important in fields like engineering, finance, and mathematics where accuracy is paramount. Historically, such computations were performed manually, a process that was both time-consuming and prone to human error. The introduction of automated tools has significantly streamlined these processes, increasing efficiency and reducing the risk of inaccuracies.
