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 1/5 * 1 1/8 = 18/5 = 3 3/5 = 3.6

Spelled out: eighteen fifths (or three and three fifths).

How do we solve fractions step by step?

Conversion a mixed number 3 1/5 to an improper fraction: 3 1/5 = 3 1/5 = 3 · 5 + 1/5 = 15 + 1/5 = 16/5

To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 3 by the denominator 5. Whole number 3 equals 3 ·5/5 = 15/5
b) Add the answer from the previous step 15 to the numerator 1. New numerator is 15 + 1 = 16
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 16) over the denominator 5.

Three and one fifth is sixteen fifths.
Conversion a mixed number 1 1/8 to an improper fraction: 1 1/8 = 1 1/8 = 1 · 8 + 1/8 = 8 + 1/8 = 9/8

To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 1 by the denominator 8. Whole number 1 equals 1 ·8/8 = 8/8
b) Add the answer from the previous step 8 to the numerator 1. New numerator is 8 + 1 = 9
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 9) over the denominator 8.

One and one eighth is nine eighths.
Multiply: 16/5 · 9/8 = 16 · 9/5 · 8 = 144/40 = 18 · 8/5 · 8 = 18/5
Multiply both numerators and both denominators. Then simplify the resulting fraction to its lowest terms GCD(144, 40) = 8. In the following intermediate step, cancel by a common factor of 8 gives 18/5.
In other words, sixteen fifths multiplied by nine eighths equals eighteen fifths.

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.