Calculator Fractional Exponents
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.
16^1/2 = 4
Spelled out: four.How do we solve fractions step by step?
- Exponentiation: 16 ^ 1/2 = 4
To raise a fraction to a power, raise both the numerator and denominator to that power. Simplify if possible (reduce to lowest terms).
In other words, sixteen raised to the power of one half equals four.
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:
- Puzzle game
In a letter puzzle game, John can use each letter of the alphabet only once. He used only 8 letters to solve the puzzle. What fraction of the 26 letters in the alphabet did he use? Express your answer as a fraction in simplest form. - Equations
Solve the following equations without fractions: a) 5 (x-1) -7 = 17-3 (1-x) b) 3 (y-2) -4y = 2- (1 + 2y) - Pizza - slices
Owen and Scott each ordered a pizza for lunch. Owen ate 9/16 of his pizza and Scott ate 3/4 of his pizza. How much more pizza did Scott eat than Owen? - Bellow one
What is 1/3 expressed as a whole number? - Chocolate bars
Divide 26 chocolate bars among 3 friends so that they all get the same amount and nothing is left over. How many chocolate bars will each friend get? - Blank fraction
Find unknown fraction: 3/5* blank=2/3 - Evaluate divisions
Evaluate the following expression with divisions: 45 ÷ 45 ÷ 2/9
more math problems »
Last Modified: May 8, 2026
