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
The result spelled out in words is 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 - write a forward slash to separate the numerator and the denominator, i.e., for five-hundredths, enter 5/100. If you use mixed numbers, leave a space between the whole and fraction parts.Mixed numerals (mixed numbers or fractions) - keep one space between the whole part and fraction and use a forward slash to input fraction i.e., 1 2/3 . A negative mixed fraction write for example as -5 1/2.
A slash is both a sign for fraction line and division, use a colon (:) for division fractions i.e., 1/2 : 1/3.
Decimals (decimal numbers) enter with a decimal dot . and they are automatically converted to fractions - i.e. 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
• fractions multiple: 2/3 of 3/5
• divide to find the quotient: 3/5÷2/3
The calculator follows well-known rules for the order of operations. The most common mnemonics for remembering this order are:
- 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 (brackets: (){}), Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction.
- MDAS: Multiplication and Division (same precedence), Addition and Subtraction (same precedence). MDAS is a subset of PEMDAS.
1. Multiplication/Division vs. Addition/Subtraction: Always perform multiplication and division *before* addition and subtraction.
2. Left-to-Right Rule: Operators with the same precedence (e.g., + and -, or * and /) must be evaluated from left to right.
Fractions in word problems:
- Dive Attempt
Dive Attempt ; Fraction of the distance to the pool bottom Dive 1; 1/4 Dive 2; 2/3 Dive 3; 5/6 Tony's second dive was deeper than his first dive by what fraction of the pool?
- Negative fractions
I am a number that is equal to -3/4 subtracted from the sum of 3/5 and -1/3. What number am I?
- Container 82608
The container was filled with water. Peter poured out 2/9 of the water, and Katka poured out 1/6 of the water. What fraction of the water remained in the container?
- Strawberries
In a class of 45 students, 1/3 of the students are girls. If 1/3 of the girls enjoyed eating strawberries and 1/5 of the boys enjoyed eating strawberries, how many students in a class enjoyed eating strawberries?
- Cupcakes 2
Susi has 25 cupcakes. She gives 4/5. How much does she have left?
- A hill
Juan is walking up a hill at 130 3/4 feet above sea level when he kicks a pebble. If the pebble falls to the base of the hill, which is 18.5 feet below sea level, what is the vertical distance that the pebble fell?
- A baby
A baby weighs 8 and 1/4 pounds at birth. Two weeks later, she weighs 8 and 7/8 pounds. How much did the baby gain?
more math problems »
Last Modified: August 28, 2025