Fraction Calculator
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.
The result:
(3/4) : (1/2) = 3/2 = 1 1/2 = 1.5
Spelled out: three halves (or one and a half).How do we solve fractions step by step?
- Divide: 3/4 : 1/2 = 3/4 · 2/1 = 3 · 2/4 · 1 = 6/4 = 2 · 3 /2 · 2 = 3/2
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 1/2 is 2/1) of the second fraction. Next, multiply the two numerators. Then, multiply the two denominators. In the following intermediate step, cancel by a common factor of 2 gives 3/2.
In other words, three quarters divided by one half equals three halves.
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) |
Examples:
• adding fractions: 2/4 + 3/4• subtracting fractions: 2/3 - 1/2
• multiplying fractions: 7/8 * 3/9
• dividing fractions: 1/2 : 3/4
• reciprocal of a fraction: 1 : 3/4
• square of a fraction: 2/3 ^ 2
• cube of a fraction: 2/3 ^ 3
• exponentiation of a fraction: 1/2 ^ 4
• fractional exponents: 16 ^ 1/2
• adding fractions and mixed numbers: 8/5 + 6 2/7
• dividing integer and fraction: 5 ÷ 1/2
• complex fractions: 5/8 : 2 2/3
• decimal to fraction: 0.625
• fraction to decimal: 1/4
• fraction to percent: 1/8 %
• comparing fractions: 1/4 2/3
• square root of a fraction: sqrt(1/16)
• expression with brackets: 1/3 * (1/2 - 3 3/8)
• compound fraction: 3/4 of 5/7
• multiplying fractions: 2/3 of 3/5
• divide to find the quotient: 3/5÷2/3
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:
- Soup 4
Cornell makes 11/12 of a gallon of soup. He eats equal portions of soup for 5 days, with no soup remaining after the 5th day. How many gallons of soup did Cornell eat each day? - David 4
David made 4/3 of a quart of fruit juice. Each mug he has holds 1/3 of a quart. How many mugs will David be able to fill? - 6 cups of strawberries
Mr. Hunter decided to make a healthy snack for the 20 students in his class. He gave each student a dish of yogurt and divided 6 cups of strawberries equally among the dishes. How many cups of strawberries did each student get in their yogurt? Write your - Find two 4
Find two fractions between 1/4 and 2/3. How do you know you are right? - Expressions
Let k represent an unknown number and express the following expressions: 1. The sum of the numbers n and two 2. The quotient of the numbers n and nine 3. Twice the number n 4. The difference between nine and the number n 5. Nine less than the number n - Online music sharing
Regina spent $45.50 over 6 1/2 months on music downloads. If she spent the same amount each month, how much did Regina spend per month on music downloads? Choose the equation that can be used to represent the situation. - A stick
A stick is 12 4/7 meters long. If the worker cuts 3/8 of it into pieces, how long is the remaining stick?
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Last Modified: April 27, 2026
