Fraction Calculator
This calculator subtracts two fractions. When fractions have the same denominators calculator simply subtracts the numerators and place the result over the common denominator. Then simplify the result to the lowest terms or a mixed number.
The result:
9/10 - 3/10 = 3/5 = 0.6
Spelled out: three fifths.How do we solve fractions step by step?
- Subtract: 9/10 - 3/10 = 9 - 3/10 = 6/10 = 2 · 3/2 · 5 = 3/5
Both fractions have the same denominator, which is then the common denominator in the subtracting them. In the following intermediate step, cancel by a common factor of 2 gives 3/5.
In other words, nine tenths minus three tenths equals three 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) |
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:
- A less than B
What is 3/5 less than 11/12? (Answer should be in proper or improper only: Example 1/2, -1/2, 3/2, and -3/2) - The bucket
Anna and Joey share an 18-ounce bucket of clay. By the end of the week, Anna has used 1/3 of the bucket, and Joey has used 2/3 of the bucket of clay. How many ounces are left in the bucket? - Tim had
Tim had $360. He spent 1/4 on CD's and 2/3 of the remainder on snacks. What was left in his piggy bank? - Square metal sheet
We cut out four squares with a 300 mm side from a square sheet metal plate with a side of 0.7 m. Express the fraction and the percentage of waste from the square metal sheet. - Terrell
Terrell goes apple-picking. He uses 3/10 of his apples. Then he uses 5/10. What fraction of his apples does he have left? - A cake
A cake has 46 slices. Harry ate 16 slices, and Jack ate 26 slices, Dave ate 2 & Mary ate 1 slice. What fraction of the cake is remaining? - Peter's calculation
Peter wrote the following: 7 1/4 - 3 3/4 = 4 2/4 = 4 1/2. Is Peter's calculation correct? Using words (math vocabulary) and numbers to explain why he is correct or incorrect.
more math problems »
Last Modified: May 8, 2026
