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:

7 2/4 - 2 2/3 = 29/6 = 4 5/6 ≅ 4.8333333

Spelled out: twenty-nine sixths (or four and five sixths).

How do we solve fractions step by step?

Conversion a mixed number 7 2/4 to an improper fraction: 7 2/4 = 7 2/4 = 7 · 4 + 2/4 = 28 + 2/4 = 30/4

To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 7 by the denominator 4. Whole number 7 equals 7 ·4/4 = 28/4
b) Add the answer from the previous step 28 to the numerator 2. New numerator is 28 + 2 = 30
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 30) over the denominator 4.

Seven and two quarters is thirty quarters.
Conversion a mixed number 2 2/3 to an improper fraction: 2 2/3 = 2 2/3 = 2 · 3 + 2/3 = 6 + 2/3 = 8/3

To find a new numerator:
a) Multiply the whole number 2 by the denominator 3. Whole number 2 equals 2 ·3/3 = 6/3
b) Add the answer from the previous step 6 to the numerator 2. New numerator is 6 + 2 = 8
c) Write a previous answer (new numerator 8) over the denominator 3.

Two and two thirds is eight thirds.
Subtract: 30/4 - 8/3 = 30 · 3/4 · 3 - 8 · 4/3 · 4 = 90/12 - 32/12 = 90 - 32/12 = 58/12 = 2 · 29/2 · 6 = 29/6
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(4, 3) = 12. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 4 × 3 = 12. In the following intermediate step, cancel by a common factor of 2 gives 29/6.
In other words, thirty quarters minus eight thirds equals twenty-nine sixths.

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.