A fraction is a value, not just a display
The fraction 1/2, decimal 0.5 and percentage 50% describe the same ratio, but different formats can preserve different information. A finite decimal cannot show 1/3 exactly. The fraction calculator keeps the rational value first and offers a decimal approximation separately.
This distinction is useful when a rounded intermediate value would affect later work. Entering 1/3 directly avoids replacing it with 0.333 before another calculation. Supported finite decimals also convert to exact fractions: 0.1 is 1/10, so 0.1 + 0.2 is 3/10.
Read mixed-number signs carefully
A mixed number combines a whole-number magnitude and a proper fractional part. 2 1/3 is 7/3. With a leading minus sign, -2 1/3 means −7/3, not −2 + 1/3. Write a space between parts; a hyphen could be mistaken for subtraction and is not used here.
If the fractional part is already greater than one, enter an improper fraction instead of an ambiguous mixed number. For example, use 3/2 for one and a half. A negative denominator is normalized so the final denominator remains positive.
Follow the operation before simplifying
Addition and subtraction require equivalent fractions with a common denominator. Multiplication does not require matching denominators. Division uses the reciprocal of a nonzero second value. In each case, common factors can then be cancelled to produce the reduced answer.
The steps are an explanation of the selected calculation, not a parser for a complete expression. To evaluate several operations with an intended order, perform and record those operations deliberately.
Use the decimal as an approximation
Choose enough decimal places for the task, while keeping the exact fraction available. Very small nonzero answers are identified rather than silently displayed as zero. For percentage questions, use the percentage calculator. For quantities sold in packs, the unit price calculator adds compatible measurement-unit conversion to the ratio calculation.