Fraction calculator
This calculator divides fractions. The first step makes the reciprocal value of the second fraction - exchange numerator and denominator of 2nd fraction. Then multiply both numerators and place the result over the product of both denominators. Then simplify the result to the lowest terms or a mixed number.
The result:
2/5 : 1/4 = 8/5 = 1 3/5 = 1.6
Spelled result in words is eight fifths (or one and three fifths).How do we solve fractions step by step?
- Divide: 2/5 : 1/4 = 2/5 · 4/1 = 2 · 4/5 · 1 = 8/5
Dividing two fractions is the same as multiplying the first fraction by the reciprocal value of the second fraction. The first sub-step is to find the reciprocal (reverse the numerator and denominator, reciprocal of 1/4 is 4/1) of the second fraction. Next, multiply the two numerators. Then, multiply the two denominators. In the following intermediate step, it cannot further simplify the fraction result by canceling.
In other words - two fifths divided by one quarter is eight fifths.
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:
- Why is
Why is three divided by one-fifth different from one-fifth divided by three? - Julian 2
Julian and two of his friends will share 1/4 of a pizza. How much will each person get? - Solve 21
Solve the following problem and write the answer as a mixed number in the lowest terms: 8/11 ÷ 4/9. - One half 2
One-half pizza will be divided among three pupils. Each pupil receives 1/6. Is it true or false? - Pie division
5/8 of a pie divided into six pieces. Each friend got 1/6. What fraction of the whole pie does each person receive?
more math problems »