Calculator Subtracting Fractions
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, simply subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator. Then simplify the result to the lowest terms or a mixed number.
2/3 - 1/2 = 1/6 ≅ 0.1666667
Spelled out: one sixth.How do we solve fractions step by step?
- Subtract: 2/3 - 1/2 = 2 · 2/3 · 2 - 1 · 3/2 · 3 = 4/6 - 3/6 = 4 - 3/6 = 1/6
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(3, 2) = 6. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 3 × 2 = 6. In the following intermediate step, the fraction cannot be simplified further by cancelling.
In other words, two thirds minus one half equals one sixth.
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:
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The number of students with honors in 2013 and 2014 is in a ratio of 40:49. How big is the year-on-year percentage increase? - Bun basket calculation
There were buns in the basket on the table. Josef ate half of the half, Eva ate the rest, Katka ate two buns, and Dunčo ate a quarter. How many buns were on the table? - Simplest form of a fraction
Which one of the following fractions is not equal to 3/2 after reducing to the simplest form? a) 15/20 b) 12/8 c) 27/18 d) 6/4 - One-third of the rod
The 7-meter-long rod has one-third of its length in the ground and a quarter in the water. How many meters of the rod are not in the water or the ground? - Brown or black
Max has 13 pairs of socks. From this, six pairs are blue, three pairs are brown, two are black, and two are white. What fraction of Max's socks are either brown or black?
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Last Modified: March 30, 2026
