Fraction calculator



This calculator subtracts two fractions. First, convert all fractions to a common denominator when fractions have different denominators. Find Least Common Denominator (LCD) or multiply all denominators to find a common denominator. When all denominators are the same, subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator. Then simplify the result to the lowest terms or a mixed number.

The result:

1/4 + 2/5 = 13/20 = 0.65

Spelled result in words is thirteen twentieths.

How do we solve fractions step by step?

  1. Add: 1/4 + 2/5 = 1 · 5/4 · 5 + 2 · 4/5 · 4 = 5/20 + 8/20 = 5 + 8/20 = 13/20
    It is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal, identical) denominator for adding, subtracting, and comparing fractions. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(4, 5) = 20. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 4 × 5 = 20. In the following intermediate step, it cannot further simplify the fraction result by canceling.
    In other words - one quarter plus two fifths is thirteen twentieths.

Rules for expressions with fractions:

Fractions - use a forward slash to divide the numerator by the denominator, i.e., for five-hundredths, enter 5/100. If you use mixed numbers, leave a space between the whole and fraction parts.

Mixed numerals (mixed numbers or fractions) keep one space between the integer and
fraction and use a forward slash to input fractions i.e., 1 2/3 . An example of a negative mixed fraction: -5 1/2.
Because slash is both sign for fraction line and division, use a colon (:) as the operator of division fractions i.e., 1/2 : 1/3.
Decimals (decimal numbers) enter with a decimal point . and they are automatically converted to fractions - i.e. 1.45.

Math Symbols


SymbolSymbol nameSymbol MeaningExample
+plus signaddition 1/2 + 1/3
-minus signsubtraction 1 1/2 - 2/3
*asteriskmultiplication 2/3 * 3/4
×times signmultiplication 2/3 × 5/6
:division signdivision 1/2 : 3
/division slashdivision 1/3 / 5
:coloncomplex fraction 1/2 : 1/3
^caretexponentiation / power 1/4^3
()parenthesescalculate expression inside first-3/5 - (-1/4)