Fraction Calculator

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.

The result:

12 9/10 + 8 3/5 = 43/2 = 21 1/2 = 21.5

Spelled out: forty-three halves (or twenty-one and a half).

How do we solve fractions step by step?

Conversion a mixed number 12 9/10 to an improper fraction: 12 9/10 = 12 9/10 = 12 · 10 + 9/10 = 120 + 9/10 = 129/10

To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 12 by the denominator 10. Whole number 12 equals 12 ·10/10 = 120/10
b) Add the answer from the previous step 120 to the numerator 9. New numerator is 120 + 9 = 129
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 129) over the denominator 10.

Twelve and nine tenths is one hundred twenty-nine tenths.
Conversion a mixed number 8 3/5 to an improper fraction: 8 3/5 = 8 3/5 = 8 · 5 + 3/5 = 40 + 3/5 = 43/5

To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 8 by the denominator 5. Whole number 8 equals 8 ·5/5 = 40/5
b) Add the answer from the previous step 40 to the numerator 3. New numerator is 40 + 3 = 43
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 43) over the denominator 5.

Eight and three fifths is forty-three fifths.
Add: 129/10 + 43/5 = 129/10 + 43 · 2/5 · 2 = 129/10 + 86/10 = 129 + 86/10 = 215/10 = 5 · 43/5 · 2 = 43/2
It is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal) denominator for adding fractions. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(10, 5) = 10. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 10 × 5 = 50. In the following intermediate step, cancel by a common factor of 5 gives 43/2.
In other words, one hundred twenty-nine tenths plus forty-three fifths equals forty-three halves.

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.