Fraction calculator
This fractions calculator performs all fraction operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and evaluates expressions with fractions. It also shows detailed step-by-step information.
The result:
3 1/3 - 1 1/4 = 25/12 = 2 1/12 ≅ 2.0833333
The spelled result in words is twenty-five twelfths (or two and one twelfth).How do we solve fractions step by step?
- Conversion a mixed number 3 1/3 to a improper fraction: 3 1/3 = 3 1/3 = 3 · 3 + 1/3 = 9 + 1/3 = 10/3
To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 3 by the denominator 3. Whole number 3 equally 3 * 3/3 = 9/3
b) Add the answer from the previous step 9 to the numerator 1. New numerator is 9 + 1 = 10
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 10) over the denominator 3.
Three and one third is ten thirds. - Conversion a mixed number 1 1/4 to a improper fraction: 1 1/4 = 1 1/4 = 1 · 4 + 1/4 = 4 + 1/4 = 5/4
To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 1 by the denominator 4. Whole number 1 equally 1 * 4/4 = 4/4
b) Add the answer from the previous step 4 to the numerator 1. New numerator is 4 + 1 = 5
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 5) over the denominator 4.
One and one quarter is five quarters. - Subtract: 10/3 - 5/4 = 10 · 4/3 · 4 - 5 · 3/4 · 3 = 40/12 - 15/12 = 40 - 15/12 = 25/12
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(3, 4) = 12. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 3 × 4 = 12. In the following intermediate step, it cannot further simplify the fraction result by canceling.
In other words - ten thirds minus five quarters is twenty-five twelfths.
Rules for expressions with fractions:
Fractions - write a forward slash to separate the numerator and 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 whole part and fraction and use a forward slash to input fraction i.e., 1 2/3 . A negative mixed fraction write for example as -5 1/2.
A slash is both a sign for fraction line and division, use a colon (:) for division fractions i.e., 1/2 : 1/3.
Decimals (decimal numbers) enter with a decimal dot . and they are automatically converted to fractions - i.e. 1.45.
Math Symbols
| Op | 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) |
See practise with fractions »
Last Modified: December 30, 2024
