Enter two numbers, which can be negative, decimals, or fractions (e.g., 1/2, -3/4, -5, 0.75), select an operation, and calculate.
+
–
*
/
Result:
// Helper function to parse a number, handling fractions and decimals
function parseFractionOrDecimal(input) {
if (typeof input !== 'string') {
return parseFloat(input); // Already a number or can be parsed directly
}
input = input.trim();
if (input.includes('/')) {
var parts = input.split('/');
if (parts.length === 2) {
var numerator = parseFloat(parts[0]);
var denominator = parseFloat(parts[1]);
if (!isNaN(numerator) && !isNaN(denominator) && denominator !== 0) {
return numerator / denominator;
}
}
}
return parseFloat(input);
}
function calculateFraction() {
var num1Input = document.getElementById("number1").value;
var num2Input = document.getElementById("number2").value;
var operation = document.getElementById("operation").value;
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var num1 = parseFractionOrDecimal(num1Input);
var num2 = parseFractionOrDecimal(num2Input);
if (isNaN(num1) || isNaN(num2)) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter valid numbers for both fields.";
return;
}
var calculatedResult;
switch (operation) {
case "add":
calculatedResult = num1 + num2;
break;
case "subtract":
calculatedResult = num1 – num2;
break;
case "multiply":
calculatedResult = num1 * num2;
break;
case "divide":
if (num2 === 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Error: Division by zero is not allowed.";
return;
}
calculatedResult = num1 / num2;
break;
default:
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Invalid operation selected.";
return;
}
// Display with a reasonable number of decimal places to handle precision
resultDiv.innerHTML = "" + calculatedResult.toFixed(8) + "";
}
Understanding Negative Numbers and Fractions in Mathematics
Mathematics often involves working with numbers beyond simple positive integers. Negative numbers and fractions are fundamental concepts that expand our ability to describe quantities, relationships, and changes in the real world. This calculator is designed to help you perform basic arithmetic operations with these types of numbers, making complex calculations straightforward.
What are Negative Numbers?
Negative numbers are numbers less than zero. They are used to represent concepts like debt, temperatures below freezing, depths below sea level, or movement in an opposite direction. For example, if you owe $5, you have -$5. If the temperature drops 10 degrees from 0°C, it's -10°C.
Addition with Negatives: Adding a negative number is like subtracting a positive number (e.g., 5 + (-3) = 2).
Subtraction with Negatives: Subtracting a negative number is like adding a positive number (e.g., 5 – (-3) = 8).
Fractions represent parts of a whole. They consist of a numerator (the top number) and a denominator (the bottom number), separated by a line. The denominator indicates how many equal parts the whole is divided into, and the numerator indicates how many of those parts are being considered. For example, 1/2 means one out of two equal parts.
Fractions can also be negative, such as -3/4, meaning three-quarters of a whole, but in the negative direction.
Adding/Subtracting Fractions: Requires a common denominator.
Dividing Fractions: Invert the second fraction and multiply (e.g., (1/2) ÷ (3/4) = (1/2) × (4/3) = 4/6 = 2/3).
How to Use the Calculator
Our calculator simplifies these operations for you. Simply enter your first number, select the desired operation (+, -, *, /), and then enter your second number. Both numbers can be positive or negative, and you can enter them as decimals (e.g., 0.75) or as fractions (e.g., 3/4). The calculator will automatically convert fractions to their decimal equivalents for calculation and provide a precise decimal result.
Examples of Calculations:
Addition: If you enter -5 and 3/4 with the '+' operation, the result will be -4.25. (-5 + 0.75 = -4.25)
Subtraction: If you enter 1/2 and -0.75 with the '-' operation, the result will be 1.25. (0.5 - (-0.75) = 0.5 + 0.75 = 1.25)
Multiplication: If you enter -2 and 1/3 with the '*' operation, the result will be approximately -0.66666667. (-2 × 0.3333... = -0.6666...)
Division: If you enter 1/4 and -2 with the '/' operation, the result will be -0.125. (0.25 ÷ -2 = -0.125)
This tool is perfect for students, educators, or anyone needing quick and accurate calculations involving negative numbers and fractions without manual conversion.