Mixed Number Arithmetic Calculator
Add, subtract, multiply or divide two mixed numbers — converted to improper fractions and returned as a reduced mixed number.
How it works
Convert each mixed number to an improper fraction (whole·denominator + numerator), do the fraction arithmetic, then convert back
Arithmetic on mixed numbers is easiest after converting each one to a single improper fraction: multiply the whole part by the denominator and add the numerator. Once both quantities are ordinary fractions you can add, subtract, multiply or divide them by the usual rules, then convert the reduced result back into a whole part plus a proper fraction.
Worked example
For 1 1/2 + 2 1/4, convert to 3/2 and 9/4. A common denominator of 4 gives 6/4 + 9/4 = 15/4, which is 3 3/4 as a mixed number (≈ 3.75).
Frequently asked questions
How is a mixed number turned into an improper fraction?
Multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator, keeping the same denominator. For example 2 1/4 becomes (2·4 + 1)/4 = 9/4.
What happens with negative mixed numbers?
A negative whole part makes the whole quantity negative, so the fractional part is subtracted rather than added. Enter the minus sign on the whole part and the calculator handles the rest.
Why is my answer shown three ways?
The mixed number is the most natural everyday form, the improper fraction is often the most useful for further calculation, and the decimal lets you sanity-check the size of the answer.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.