Fraction calculator
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, subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator. Then simplify the result to the lowest terms or a mixed number.
The result:
2/5 + 3/8 = 31/40 = 0.775
Spelled result in words is thirty-one fortieths.How do we solve fractions step by step?
- Add: 2/5 + 3/8 = 2 · 8/5 · 8 + 3 · 5/8 · 5 = 16/40 + 15/40 = 16 + 15/40 = 31/40
It is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal, identical) denominator for adding, subtracting, and comparing fractions. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(5, 8) = 40. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 5 × 8 = 40. In the following intermediate step, it cannot further simplify the fraction result by canceling.
In other words - two fifths plus three eighths is thirty-one fortieths.
Rules for expressions with fractions:
Fractions - use a forward slash to divide the numerator by the denominator, i.e., for five-hundredths, enter 5/100. If you use mixed numbers, leave a space between the whole and fraction parts.Mixed numerals (mixed numbers or fractions) keep one space between the integer and
fraction and use a forward slash to input fractions i.e., 1 2/3 . An example of a negative mixed fraction: -5 1/2.
Because slash is both sign for fraction line and division, use a colon (:) as the operator of division fractions i.e., 1/2 : 1/3.
Decimals (decimal numbers) enter with a decimal point . and they are automatically converted to fractions - i.e. 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) |
Fractions in word problems:
- Puzzle game
In a letter puzzle game, John can use every alphabet only once. He used only 8 alphabets to solve the puzzle. What fraction of the 26 alphabets did he use? Express your answer as a fraction in the simplest form.
- Simplify 12
Simplify {1/3 + 1/12} ÷ {2/3 - 5/8}
- Fraction to decimal
Write the fraction 3/22 as a decimal.
- A quarter
A quarter of the number 72 is:
- The following 3
The following fraction is reduced to its lowest terms except one. Which of these: A.98/99 B.73/179 C.1/250 D.81/729
more math problems »