Fractions confuse a lot of students, but they are simpler once you see them as parts of a whole.
A fraction has two numbers: the top number (numerator) tells you how many parts you have, and the bottom number (denominator) tells you how many equal parts the whole is divided into. For example, in 3/4, you have 3 parts out of a total of 4 equal parts.
To add fractions, they need the same denominator first. If you are adding 1/4 and 1/2, change 1/2 to 2/4, then add the numerators: 1/4 + 2/4 = 3/4.
To multiply fractions, it is easier: multiply the top numbers together, then multiply the bottom numbers together. For example, 2/3 times 1/2 equals 2/6, which simplifies to 1/3.
Practice with small numbers first before moving to mixed numbers or fractions with larger denominators. Once the logic clicks, the rest becomes much easier.