Mixed number calculator

What this page covers

• Turning an improper fraction into a mixed number and back.
• Adding and subtracting mixed numbers, including when you need to borrow.
• Multiplying and dividing mixed numbers by changing them to improper fractions first.
• Not covered here: fractions without a whole part (use Calculator with fractions) and mixed numbers with letters in them.

How to enter the problem

• Type the whole number, then the fraction, such as 2 1/2, or write it as 2 + 1/2 to make the meaning clear.
• Scan it. Fit the one problem in the frame.
• Choose a photo. Several problems in one photo are solved as a list.
• Then tap Solve.

Worked examples

Common mistakes

• Multiplying the whole parts and the fraction parts separately. $2\tfrac{1}{2} \times 1\tfrac{3}{5}$ is not $2 \cdot 1 + \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{3}{5} = 2\tfrac{3}{10}$; change to improper fractions first.
• Reading $2\tfrac{1}{2}$ as $2 \times \frac{1}{2}$. A mixed number means $2 + \frac{1}{2}$.
• Subtracting the fraction parts the wrong way round. In $3\tfrac{1}{3} - 1\tfrac{3}{4}$, the $\frac{3}{4}$ is larger than $\frac{1}{3}$, so borrow 1 from the 3 or use improper fractions.
• Leaving an improper fraction in the fraction part, such as 2 5/4 instead of 3 1/4.

Checks, assumptions and limits

• Convert back to check: $1\tfrac{7}{12} = \frac{12 + 7}{12} = \frac{19}{12}$.
• Estimate with whole numbers. $2\tfrac{1}{2} \times 1\tfrac{3}{5}$ lies between $2 \times 1 = 2$ and $3 \times 2 = 6$, so $4$ is reasonable.
• A negative mixed number such as $-2\tfrac{1}{2}$ means $-(2 + \frac{1}{2})$, so the minus sign applies to both parts.
• MathBuddy can make mistakes. Double check important steps.

Related tasks

• Calculator with fractions
• Maths calculator for arithmetic
• Check if a number is prime
• All pre-algebra tasks
• All math tasks