Fractions

Mixed Number Calculator

Add, subtract, multiply and divide mixed numbers with full step-by-step working. Shows the conversion to improper fractions as part of the working.

First fraction
+
Second fraction
34\frac{3}{4}

= 0.75 (decimal)

Step-by-step working

  1. Find the lowest common denominator (LCD)

    LCD(2,4)=4\text{LCD}(2,\, 4) = 4

    The lowest common denominator of 2 and 4 is 4. Both fractions will be converted to this denominator.

  2. Convert the first fraction

    12=24\frac{1}{2} = \frac{2}{4}

    Multiply numerator and denominator of the first fraction by 2.

    Result:\frac{2}{4}
  3. Convert the second fraction

    14=14\frac{1}{4} = \frac{1}{4}

    Multiply numerator and denominator of the second fraction by 1.

    Result:\frac{1}{4}
  4. Add the numerators

    24+14=34\frac{2}{4} + \frac{1}{4} = \frac{3}{4}

    Add the numerators together. The denominator stays the same: 2 + 1 = 3.

    Result:\frac{3}{4}

Worked examples

1½ + 2¼

  1. 1
    Convert to improper: 3/2 + 9/4
  2. 2
    LCD(2,4): = 4
  3. 3
    Add: 6/4 + 9/4 = 15/4 = 3¾
Answer:

2⅔ × 1½

  1. 1
    Convert: 8/3 × 3/2
  2. 2
    Multiply: 24/6
  3. 3
    Simplify: 4
Answer: 4

Frequently asked questions

What is a mixed number?+

A mixed number has a whole number part and a fraction part, e.g. 2¾. It represents a value greater than 1.

How do you convert a mixed number to an improper fraction?+

Multiply the whole number by the denominator and add the numerator. This becomes the new numerator over the same denominator. E.g., 2¾ = (2×4+3)/4 = 11/4.

How do you add mixed numbers?+

Convert to improper fractions, find a common denominator, add the numerators, simplify, then convert back to a mixed number.

How do you convert an improper fraction to a mixed number?+

Divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number and the remainder is the new numerator. E.g., 11/4 = 2 remainder 3 = 2¾.

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