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 2/3 - 5 5/9 = -17/9 = -1 8/9 ≅ -1.8888889

Spelled out: minus seventeen ninths (or minus one and eight ninths).

How do we solve fractions step by step?

Conversion a mixed number 3 2/3 to a improper fraction: 3 2/3 = 3 2/3 = 3 · 3 + 2/3 = 9 + 2/3 = 11/3

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 2. New numerator is 9 + 2 = 11
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 11) over the denominator 3.

Three and two thirds is eleven thirds.
Conversion a mixed number 5 5/9 to a improper fraction: 5 5/9 = 5 5/9 = 5 · 9 + 5/9 = 45 + 5/9 = 50/9

To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 5 by the denominator 9. Whole number 5 equally 5 * 9/9 = 45/9
b) Add the answer from the previous step 45 to the numerator 5. New numerator is 45 + 5 = 50
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 50) over the denominator 9.

Five and five ninths is fifty ninths.
Subtract: 11/3 - 50/9 = 11 · 3/3 · 3 - 50/9 = 33/9 - 50/9 = 33 - 50/9 = -17/9
It is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal) denominator for subtracting fractions. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(3, 9) = 9. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 3 × 9 = 27. In the following intermediate step, the fraction cannot be simplified further by cancelling.
In other words, eleven thirds minus fifty ninths equals minus seventeen ninths.

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.