Calculator Expression with Brackets
This fraction calculator performs all basic fraction operations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division – and evaluates expressions with fractions. Each calculation includes a detailed step-by-step explanation.
1/3 * (1/2 - 3 3/8) = -23/24 ≅ -0.9583333
Spelled out: minus twenty-three twenty-fourths.How do we solve fractions step by step?
- Conversion a mixed number 3 3/8 to an improper fraction: 3 3/8 = 3 3/8 = 3 · 8 + 3/8 = 24 + 3/8 = 27/8
To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 3 by the denominator 8. Whole number 3 equals 3 ·8/8 = 24/8
b) Add the answer from the previous step 24 to the numerator 3. New numerator is 24 + 3 = 27
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 27) over the denominator 8.
Three and three eighths is twenty-seven eighths. - Subtract: 1/2 - 27/8 = 1 · 4/2 · 4 - 27/8 = 4/8 - 27/8 = 4 - 27/8 = -23/8
It is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal) denominator for subtracting fractions. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(2, 8) = 8. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 2 × 8 = 16. In the following intermediate step, the fraction cannot be simplified further by cancelling.
In other words, one half minus twenty-seven eighths equals minus twenty-three eighths. - Multiply: 1/3 · the result of step No. 2 = 1/3 · (-23/8) = 1 · (-23)/3 · 8 = -23/24
Multiply both numerators and both denominators. Then simplify the resulting fraction to its lowest terms GCD(-23, 24) = 1. In the following intermediate step, the fraction cannot be simplified further by cancelling.
In other words, one third multiplied by minus twenty-three eighths equals minus twenty-three twenty-fourths.
Rules for expressions with fractions:
Fractions - Use a forward slash to separate the numerator and denominator. For example, for five-hundredths, enter 5/100.Mixed numbers Leave one space between the whole number and the fraction part, and use a forward slash for the fraction. For example, enter 1 2/3 . For negative mixed numbers, write the negative sign before the whole number, such as -5 1/2.
Division of fractions - Since the forward slash is used for both fraction lines and division, use a colon (:) to divide fractions. For example, to divide 1/2 by 1/3, enter 1/2 : 1/3.
Decimals Enter decimal numbers using a decimal point (.), and they will be automatically converted to fractions. For example, enter 1.45.
Math Symbols
| Symbol | Symbol name | Symbol Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| + | plus sign | addition | 1/2 + 1/3 |
| - | minus sign | subtraction | 1 1/2 - 2/3 |
| * | asterisk | multiplication | 2/3 * 3/4 |
| × | times sign | multiplication | 2/3 × 5/6 |
| : | division sign | division | 1/2 : 3 |
| / | division slash | division | 1/3 / 5 |
| : | colon | complex fraction | 1/2 : 1/3 |
| ^ | caret | exponentiation / power | 1/4^3 |
| () | parentheses | calculate expression inside first | -3/5 - (-1/4) |
Order of Operations
Ever wondered why calculators don't just work left to right? This calculator follows the mathematical order of operations — a set of rules that ensures everyone solves expressions the same way, every time.
Popular Memory Tricks
Different regions use different mnemonics to remember this order:
* PEMDAS - Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
* BEDMAS - Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
* BODMAS - Brackets, Order (or "Of"), Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction
* GEMDAS - Grouping symbols (parentheses, brackets, braces: (){}), Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction
The Golden Rules
Rule 1: Multiplication and division always come before addition and subtraction. Think of them as the VIPs that skip to the front of the line!
Rule 2: When operations have equal priority (like × and ÷, or + and −), work from left to right—just like reading a book.
Rule 3: Parentheses change the natural order of evaluation of operations.
Fractions in word problems:
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If ⅜ of the pupils in year 9 say, their favorite color is red. There are 112 pupils in year 9. How many students said red is their favorite color? - Speed reader
Petr reads 12 pages of the book in 1 hour. Express a fraction of what part of the book it will read in 5 hours if it has 280 pages. - 50 people
Fifty people went to a play. 3/5 of the people stayed until the end. How many people are left? - Azile
Azile had R150 (South African Rand - currency/money - code ZAR). He spent 2/5 of the money on a shirt, and then he spent 2/3 of the money left to buy a cap. a) How much did the shirt cost? b)How much did he have left after buying the shirt? c) How much di - Fraction comparison times
How many times is twice one-third larger than one-ninth? - Twelve eggs
A dozen eggs cost 80 cents. How much will 3½ dozen eggs cost?
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Last Modified: May 8, 2026
