🔲 Mixed Number Calculator
Easily Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide mixed fractions with step-by-step workings.
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What is a Mixed Number?
A mixed number (sometimes called a mixed fraction) is a number that consists of a whole number and a proper fraction. For example, 2 ½ is a mixed number because it has a whole number (2) and a fraction (1/2).
This is often used in everyday life, such as cooking recipes ("add 1 ¼ cups of flour") or measuring distances.
How to Calculate Mixed Numbers
The standard way to perform mathematical operations (+, -, *, /) on mixed numbers is to first convert them into improper fractions.
1. Converting to an Improper Fraction
Multiply the whole number by the denominator, and then add the numerator. Place that result over the original denominator.
Example: 2 ¾
(2 × 4) + 3 = 11. So, the improper fraction is 11/4.
2. Performing the Operation
- Addition & Subtraction: Find a common denominator for the two improper fractions, then add or subtract the numerators.
- Multiplication: Multiply the top numbers (numerators) together, and multiply the bottom numbers (denominators) together.
- Division: Flip the second fraction upside down (reciprocal) and then multiply them.
3. Simplifying the Result
Once you have your final improper fraction, simplify it by dividing the top and bottom by their Greatest Common Divisor (GCD). Finally, convert it back into a mixed number by dividing the numerator by the denominator.