How to Write Fractions on a Calculator

Calculating numbers that contain fractions can be tricky, even when you’re using a calculator. You may be able to write a fraction on a calculator using the fraction button. If your calculator doesn’t have this feature, use an online calculator if you’re allowed to do so. As another option, you might turn the fraction into a decimal or turn the fraction into a percent.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using a Fraction Button on a Scientific Calculator

1. Switch your calculator to math mode, if necessary. Push the mode button to open a menu. Select “math” from the list to start math mode. Check that your screen says “math” to make sure you’re in math mode.^[1]
   
   • Your calculator may not have a math mode.
   • Some calculators will use a fraction button even if you don’t have a math mode.
2. Push the fraction button to enter your fraction. Look for a button that has a black box over a white box, x/y, or b/c. Push this button to open the fraction feature on your calculator.^[2]
   
   • When the fraction feature is on, you should see a fraction template on your calculator screen. This will look like 2 blank boxes, one on top of the other. There will be a horizontal line separating the boxes.
   • On some calculators, the boxes are separated by an “L” that acts as the horizontal line.
3. Enter the numerator in the top box. Your cursor will start out in the top box on the fraction. Use the keypad on the calculator to type in the numerator, which is the top number in the fraction.^[3]
   
   • For instance, let’s say your fraction is 4/5. You’d type “4” into the top box.
4. Push the down arrow to move your cursor to the lower box. Find the arrow buttons on your calculator’s keypad. Then, type the arrow that points down to move your cursor to the lower box in the template.^[4]
   
   • If your template uses the “L” to separate the boxes, you may need to hit the arrow that points to the right to move the cursor. Try that arrow if the down arrow doesn’t work.
5. Type the denominator into the lower box. Use your keypad to type the denominator, which is the lower number on the fraction. Then, check that your fraction looks right on the calculator screen.^[5]
   
   • For instance, if the fraction is 4/5, type “5” into the lower box. Then, check that your fraction accurately depicts 4/5.

[Edit]Using an Online Calculator

1. Do an online search for a fraction calculator. An online calculator may be the fastest, easiest way to calculate fractions if you’re allowed to use the Internet. Type “fraction calculator” in to your favorite browser and click search to find online calculators.^[6]
   
   • You can find an online fraction calculator here: https://www.helpingwithmath.com/resources/cal_fractions.htm
2. Insert the first fraction in the top box on the calculator. Most online calculators have 2 boxes so that you can add, subtract, multiply, or divide 2 fractions. Type the first fraction into the top box on the calculator.^[7]
   
   • Each online calculator has different instructions. Follow the directions on the online calculator you’re using.
3. Type the numerator followed by a forward slash and the denominator. Use the keypad on your keyboard to type the top number on your fraction, which is the numerator. Then, hit the forward slash key. Finally, type the bottom number, which is the denominator.^[8]
   
4. Select add, subtract, multiply, or divide. Use your cursor to click on the type of operation you want to do. Pick add, subtract, multiply, or divide. Make sure the circle next to your choice is highlighted.^[9]
   
   • If the calculator you’re using requires you to type in the operation you want to take, use the keypad to insert the operation.
5. Put the second fraction in the bottom box. Use the keypad on your keyboard to enter the numerator, then type a forward slash. Type the denominator to complete the fraction.^[10]
   
   • Check your fractions before you click the calculate button to make sure you’ve entered them accurately.
6. Click the “calculate” button to get your answer. After you hit the “calculate” button, the calculator will perform the operation for you. This will give you your answer.^[11]
   
   • The calculate button might have a slightly different name, depending on the calculator you’re using. For instance, it might say “calculate fraction.”

[Edit]Turning a Fraction into a Decimal

1. Divide the numerator by the denominator to get a decimal. The numerator is the top number in the fraction. Type the numerator into your calculator, then push the divide button. Next, type the bottom number into the calculator, which is the denominator. Hit the equal sign to get your decimal.^[12]
   
   • For instance, divide 3/4 = .75.
   • Any time you see a fraction, it's a form of division.^[13]
2. Write the integer in a mixed number, followed by the decimal number. Mixed numbers include both an integer and a fraction. The integer will stay the same when you turn the fraction into a decimal. Write the integer in your answer box, then divide the numerator in the fraction by the denominator. Put a decimal point after the integer and write the decimal number you got when you divided the fraction.^[14]
   
   • As an example, let’s say your mixed number is 2-2/3. You’d divide 2/3 = .67. Write 2.67 for your decimal number.
3. Turn 2 fractions into decimals before computing them. If you’re adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing 2 fractions, convert each of them to a decimal separately using division. Then, use the decimal numbers to calculate an answer.^[15]
   
   • As an example, let’s say you wanted to add 1/2 + 3/5. You’d first divide 1/2 = .50. Then, divide 3/5 = .60. Finally, add .50 + .60 = 1.10.

[Edit]Writing a Fraction as a Percent

1. Divide the top number by the bottom number. Treat the fraction bar as a division sign. Type the top number into your calculator, then click divide. Type in the bottom number in the fraction, then click the equal sign. This will give you a decimal number.^[16]
   
   • For instance, divide 1/4 = .25.
2. Multiple the result by 100 to convert it into a percent. A percent is taken out of 100, so multiplying the decimal by 100 turns it into a percent. Type your decimal into the calculator, then hit the multiply button. Enter 100, then click the equal sign.^[17]
   
   • As an example, multiply .25 x 100 = 25.
   • You can also just move the decimal point over 2 numbers to the right.
3. Place a percent sign after the number to show it’s a percent. When you write out the number, put a percent after the number to make it a percent. This will show people that the number is a percentage out of 100.^[18]
   
   • For example, you’d write 25%.

[Edit]Tips

• Always write a fraction in the lowest terms when you’re recording an answer. For instance, reduce 2/4 to 1/2. Similarly, reduce 5/4 to 1-1/4.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-fraction-scientific-calculator-5843488.html
2. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-fraction-scientific-calculator-5843488.html
3. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-fraction-scientific-calculator-5843488.html
4. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-fraction-scientific-calculator-5843488.html
5. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-fraction-scientific-calculator-5843488.html
6. ↑ https://www.helpingwithmath.com/resources/cal_fractions.htm
7. ↑ https://www.helpingwithmath.com/resources/cal_fractions.htm
8. ↑ https://www.helpingwithmath.com/resources/cal_fractions.htm
9. ↑ https://www.helpingwithmath.com/resources/cal_fractions.htm
10. ↑ https://www.helpingwithmath.com/resources/cal_fractions.htm
11. ↑ https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/math/decimal-to-fraction-calculator.php
12. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-fraction-scientific-calculator-5843488.html
13. ↑ [v161674_b01]. 7 January 2021.
14. ↑ https://mathbits.com/MathBits/TISection/General/Fractions.htm
15. ↑ https://sciencing.com/make-fraction-scientific-calculator-5843488.html
16. ↑ [v161674_b01]. 7 January 2021.
17. ↑ [v161674_b01]. 7 January 2021.
18. ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/converting-fractions-percents.html

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