Fraction Calculator



This fraction calculator performs all fraction operations - addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division — and evaluates expressions with fractions. Each calculation includes detailed step-by-step explanations.

The result:

(-1)^2 - 7*(-1) + 12*(-1)-4 = -8/1 = -8

Spelled out: minus eight.

How do we solve fractions step by step?

  1. Exponentiation: (-1) ^ 2 = -12/12 = 1/1 = 1

    To raise a fraction to a power, raise both the numerator and denominator to that power. Simplify if possible (reduce to lowest terms).

    In other words, minus one raised to the power of squared equals one.
  2. Multiple: 7 * (-1) = 7 · (-1)/1 · 1 = -7/1 = -7
    The first operand is an integer. It is equivalent to a fraction 7/1. Multiply both numerators and denominators. Result fraction keep to lowest possible denominator GCD(-7, 1) = 1.
    In other words, seven multiplied by minus one equals minus seven.
  3. Subtract: the result of step No. 1 - the result of step No. 2 = 1 - (-7) = 1/1 - -7/1 = 1/1 - (-7/1) = 1 - (-7)/1 = 8/1 = 8
    Both fractions have the same denominator, which is then the common denominator in the subtracting them.
    In other words, one minus minus seven equals eight.
  4. Multiple: 12 * (-1) = 12 · (-1)/1 · 1 = -12/1 = -12
    The first operand is an integer. It is equivalent to a fraction 12/1. Multiply both numerators and denominators. Result fraction keep to lowest possible denominator GCD(-12, 1) = 1.
    In other words, twelve multiplied by minus one equals minus twelve.
  5. Add: the result of step No. 3 + the result of step No. 4 = 8 + (-12) = 8/1 + -12/1 = 8/1 + (-12/1) = 8 + (-12)/1 = -4/1 = -4
    Both fractions have the same denominator, which is then the common denominator in the adding them.
    In other words, eight plus minus twelve equals minus four.
  6. Subtract: the result of step No. 5 - 4 = -4 - 4 = -4/1 - 4/1 = -4 - 4/1 = -8/1 = -8
    Both fractions have the same denominator, which is then the common denominator in the subtracting them.
    In other words, minus four minus four equals minus eight.

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


SymbolSymbol nameSymbol MeaningExample
+plus signaddition 1/2 + 1/3
-minus signsubtraction 1 1/2 - 2/3
*asteriskmultiplication 2/3 * 3/4
×times signmultiplication 2/3 × 5/6
:division signdivision 1/2 : 3
/division slashdivision 1/3 / 5
:coloncomplex fraction 1/2 : 1/3
^caretexponentiation / power 1/4^3
()parenthesescalculate 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.

Last Modified: February 17, 2026