Fraction Calculator - Calculation: 2/3-1/2

Calculator subtracting fractions Enter fraction expression: 2/3-1/2 Work with fractions This calculator subtracts two fractions. First, convert all fractions to a common denominator when fractions have different denominators. Find Least Common Denominator (LCD) or multiply all denominators to find a common denominator. When all denominators are the same, simply subtract the numerators and place the result over the common denominator. Then simplify the result to the lowest terms or a mixed number.

2/3 - 1/2 = 1/60.1666667

Spelled out: one sixth.

How do we solve fractions step by step?

  1. Subtract: 2/3 - 1/2 = 2 · 2/3 · 2 - 1 · 3/2 · 3 = 4/6 - 3/6 = 4 - 3/6 = 1/6 It is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal) denominator for subtracting fractions. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of both denominators - LCM(3, 2) = 6. It is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 3 × 2 = 6. In the following intermediate step, it cannot further simplify the fraction result by canceling.In other words, two thirds minus one half equals one sixth.

Rules for expressions with fractions:

Fractions - Use a forward slash to separate the numerator and denominator. For example, for five-hundredths, enter 5/100. Mixed numbers Leave one space between the whole number and the fraction part, and use a forward slash for the fraction. For example, enter 1 2/3 . For negative mixed numbers, write the negative sign before the whole number, such as -5 1/2. Division of fractions - Since the forward slash is used for both fraction lines and division, use a colon (:) to divide fractions. For example, to divide 1/2 by 1/3, enter 1/2 : 1/3. Decimals Enter decimal numbers using a decimal point (.), and they will be automatically converted to fractions. For example, enter 1.45.

Math Symbols

SymbolSymbol nameSymbol MeaningExample
+plus signaddition 1/2 + 1/3
-minus signsubtraction 1 1/2 - 2/3
*asteriskmultiplication 2/3 * 3/4
×times signmultiplication 2/3 × 5/6
:division signdivision 1/2 : 3
/division slashdivision 1/3 / 5
:coloncomplex fraction 1/2 : 1/3
^caretexponentiation / power 1/4^3
()parenthesescalculate expression inside first-3/5 - (-1/4)
Order of Operations Ever wondered why calculators don't just work left to right? This calculator follows the mathematical order of operations — a set of rules that ensures everyone solves expressions the same way, every time. Popular Memory Tricks Different regions use different mnemonics to remember this order: * PEMDAS - Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction * BEDMAS - Brackets, Exponents, Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction * BODMAS - Brackets, Order (or "Of"), Division, Multiplication, Addition, Subtraction * GEMDAS - Grouping symbols (parentheses, brackets, braces: (){}), Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction The Golden Rules Rule 1: Multiplication and division always come before addition and subtraction. Think of them as the VIPs that skip to the front of the line! Rule 2: When operations have equal priority (like × and ÷, or + and −), work from left to right—just like reading a book. Rule 3: Parentheses change the natural order of evaluation of operations.

Fractions in word problems:

  • Puzzle game In a letter puzzle game, John can use each letter of the alphabet only once. He used only 8 letters to solve the puzzle. What fraction of the 26 letters in the alphabet did he use? Express your answer as a fraction in simplest form.
  • Reduce fractions The following fraction is reduced to its lowest terms except one. Which of these: A. 98/99 B. 73/179 C. 1/250 D. 81/729
  • Simplify 12 Simplify {1/3 + 1/12} ÷ {2/3 - 5/8}
  • Fraction of Fish Endangered Of the 65 freshwater fish species in Europe, 45 are at risk of extinction. In the basic form, express which parts of the fish are in danger of extinction.
  • Recipical fraction 5/9 divided by 8/5 recipical
  • A sixth of a million Please, how much is 2/6 of 10,000,000,- USD?
  • Red bouquet A third of the flowers in the bouquet are red, six are yellow. How many flowers are there in the bouquet? And how many are red?
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Last Modified: January 30, 2026 Math word problems

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