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:

15 - 10 5/12 = 55/12 = 4 7/12 ≅ 4.5833333

Spelled out: fifty-five twelfths (or four and seven twelfths).

How do we solve fractions step by step?

Conversion a mixed number 10 5/12 to an improper fraction: 10 5/12 = 10 5/12 = 10 · 12 + 5/12 = 120 + 5/12 = 125/12

To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 10 by the denominator 12. Whole number 10 equals 10 ·12/12 = 120/12
b) Add the answer from the previous step 120 to the numerator 5. New numerator is 120 + 5 = 125
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 125) over the denominator 12.

Ten and five twelfths is one hundred twenty-five twelfths.
Subtract: 15 - 125/12 = 15/1 - 125/12 = 15 · 12/1 · 12 - 125/12 = 180/12 - 125/12 = 180 - 125/12 = 55/12
The first operand is an integer. It is equivalent to a fraction 15/1. 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(1, 12) = 12. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 1 × 12 = 12. In the following intermediate step, the fraction cannot be simplified further by cancelling.
In other words, fifteen minus one hundred twenty-five twelfths equals fifty-five twelfths.

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.