Need to perform quick calculations with improper fractions? Our Improper Fraction Calculator makes it simple to add, subtract, multiply, or divide improper fractions instantly. The calculator displays results in three forms: improper fraction, mixed fraction, and decimal form, giving you a complete view of your answer. Additionally, it provides step-by-step solutions to help you learn how each calculation is done. However, if you only want to convert improper fractions into mixed numbers, try our Improper Fraction to Mixed Fraction Calculator instead.
Enter two improper fractions, select an operation (add, subtract, multiply, or divide), and click Calculate. The calculator will show results as:
- An improper fraction
- A mixed number
- A decimal value
What is an Improper Fraction?
An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. This means the top number is as large as or larger than the bottom number. For example, 7/4 and 11/3 are improper fractions. Unlike proper fractions, which are always less than one, improper fractions can be equal to or greater than one.
Improper fractions are often used in math problems, measurements, and everyday situations. They can also be converted into mixed numbers, which combine a whole number with a fraction. Understanding improper fractions helps you add, subtract, multiply, or divide fractions more easily.
How to Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide Improper Fractions
Working with improper fractions is easy once you understand the basic rules. An improper fraction has a numerator (top number) that is greater than or equal to the denominator (bottom number).
When performing operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division, you can follow these simple steps or let the Improper Fraction Calculator handle everything for you instantly.
➕ How to Add Improper Fractions
When adding improper fractions, both fractions must have the same denominator. If they do not, find a common denominator before adding. Notably, to add two improper fractions, simply follow this procedure:
- Find the least common denominator (LCD) of the fractions.
- Convert each fraction so that both have the same denominator.
- Add the numerators and keep the denominator the same.
- Simplify the result if possible.
- Convert the answer to a mixed number or decimal form if needed.
Example 1: $\frac{5}{2} + \frac{3}{2} $
$ = \frac{8}{2}$
= 4
So, $\frac{5}{2} + \frac{3}{2} = 4$(which is a whole number).
If you enter these values into the calculator, the results will be as follows:
➖ How to Subtract Improper Fractions
When subtracting improper fractions, make sure both fractions have the same denominator. If not, find the least common denominator first. Simplay stated, to subtract two improper fractions, follow these steps:
- Find a common denominator for both fractions.
- Subtract the numerators while keeping the denominator unchanged.
- Simplify the resulting fraction.
- Convert to a mixed number or decimal if desired.
Example 2: $\frac{9}{4} – \frac{5}{4}$
$ = \frac{4}{4}$
=1
So, $\frac{9}{4} – \frac{5}{4}$ = 1.
Using the calculator, the results are:
✖️ How to Multiply Improper Fractions
Multiplying improper fractions is usually easier than adding or subtracting because you don’t need a common denominator. Here’s how it works:
- Multiply the numerators (top numbers) together.
- Multiply the denominators (bottom numbers) together.
- Simplify the resulting fraction if possible.
- Convert to mixed number or decimal for easier interpretation.
Example 3: $\frac{3}{2} × \frac{5}{4}$
$= \frac{15}{8}$
Converting this to mixed fraction, we have:
$= 1\frac{7}{8}$
The answer can also be express as a decimal as 1.875
Therefore, the improper fractions calculator will yield similar results as follows:
➗ How to Divide Improper Fractions
To divide improper fractions, you need to find the reciprocal (flip) of the second fraction, then multiply as usual. Just follow these steps:
- Write down both fractions.
- Flip the second fraction (take its reciprocal).
- Multiply the first fraction by this reciprocal.
- Simplify the result.
- Convert to a mixed or decimal form if preferred.
Example 4: $\frac{9}{4} ÷ \frac{3}{2}$
$= \frac{9}{4} × \frac{2}{3}$
$= \frac{18}{12}$
Simplifying, we have:
$= \frac{3}{2}$
When expressed as a mixed number, the answer becomes:
$1\frac{1}{2}$
The answer can also be expressed as a decimal, which becomes: 1.5
So, the calculator would display the results as follows:
Want to convert a mixed number into an improper fraction instead? Try our Mixed Number to Improper Fraction Calculator. It instantly converts any mixed number into an improper fraction and shows you the step-by-step process.
Frequent Asked Questions
The Improper Fraction Calculator lets you add, subtract, multiply, and divide improper fractions quickly. It also shows results in three forms: improper fraction, mixed number, and decimal along with step-by-step explanations.
An improper fraction is a fraction where the numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator. For example, $\frac{9}{4}$ is an improper fraction. Generally, improper fractions can also be expressed as mixed numbers like $2\frac{1}{4}$.
The general rule for improper fractions is that the numerator must be greater than or equal to the denominator. When performing operations, always use a common denominator for addition or subtraction and multiply or divide the numerators and denominators directly for multiplication and division.
Yes. The calculator automatically simplifies fractions to their lowest terms and converts results into mixed or decimal forms for easy understanding.
Select multiplication (×) or “of” from the operation menu. The calculator multiplies the fractions and provides the result as an improper fraction, mixed number, and decimal, showing each calculation step.
Yes. After performing any operation, the calculator automatically shows the result as a mixed number along with the improper fraction and decimal.