Fraction Calculator

This fraction calculator performs all fraction operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division — and evaluates expressions with fractions. Each calculation includes detailed step-by-step explanations.

The result:

16 3/9 - 10 2/5 = 89/15 = 5 14/15 ≅ 5.9333333

Spelled out: eighty-nine fifteenths (or five and fourteen fifteenths).

How do we solve fractions step by step?

Conversion a mixed number 16 3/9 to a improper fraction: 16 3/9 = 16 3/9 = 16 · 9 + 3/9 = 144 + 3/9 = 147/9

To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 16 by the denominator 9. Whole number 16 equally 16 * 9/9 = 144/9
b) Add the answer from the previous step 144 to the numerator 3. New numerator is 144 + 3 = 147
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 147) over the denominator 9.

Sixteen and three ninths is one hundred forty-seven ninths.
Conversion a mixed number 10 2/5 to a improper fraction: 10 2/5 = 10 2/5 = 10 · 5 + 2/5 = 50 + 2/5 = 52/5

To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 10 by the denominator 5. Whole number 10 equally 10 * 5/5 = 50/5
b) Add the answer from the previous step 50 to the numerator 2. New numerator is 50 + 2 = 52
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 52) over the denominator 5.

Ten and two fifths is fifty-two fifths.
Subtract: 147/9 - 52/5 = 147 · 5/9 · 5 - 52 · 9/5 · 9 = 735/45 - 468/45 = 735 - 468/45 = 267/45 = 3 · 89/3 · 15 = 89/15
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(9, 5) = 45. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 9 × 5 = 45. In the following intermediate step, cancel by a common factor of 3 gives 89/15.
In other words, one hundred forty-seven ninths minus fifty-two fifths equals eighty-nine fifteenths.

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.