Use this calculator to subtract two mixed fractions. Enter the whole number, numerator, and denominator for each fraction, then click "Calculate" to find the difference.
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.calculator-container {
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border: 1px solid #ddd;
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padding: 20px;
max-width: 600px;
margin: 20px auto;
box-shadow: 0 4px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05);
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text-align: center;
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line-height: 1.6;
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.calc-input-group {
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margin-bottom: 15px;
flex-wrap: wrap;
gap: 5px;
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.calc-input-group label {
flex: 0 0 120px;
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text-align: center;
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.calc-input-group input[type="number"]::-webkit-outer-spin-button,
.calc-input-group input[type="number"]::-webkit-inner-spin-button {
-webkit-appearance: none;
margin: 0;
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.calc-input-group .fraction-separator {
font-size: 1.2em;
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.calculator-container button {
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.calculator-container button:hover {
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.calc-result {
margin-top: 25px;
padding: 15px;
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color: #155724;
text-align: center;
font-weight: bold;
min-height: 30px;
display: flex;
align-items: center;
justify-content: center;
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.calc-result.error {
background-color: #f8d7da;
border-color: #f5c6cb;
color: #721c24;
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function gcd(a, b) {
a = Math.abs(a);
b = Math.abs(b);
while (b) {
var temp = b;
b = a % b;
a = temp;
}
return a;
}
function calculateSubtraction() {
var whole1 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('whole1').value);
var num1 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('num1').value);
var den1 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('den1').value);
var whole2 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('whole2').value);
var num2 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('num2').value);
var den2 = parseFloat(document.getElementById('den2').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('result');
resultDiv.className = 'calc-result'; // Reset class
// Input validation
if (isNaN(whole1) || isNaN(num1) || isNaN(den1) ||
isNaN(whole2) || isNaN(num2) || isNaN(den2)) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Please enter valid numbers for all fields.';
resultDiv.classList.add('error');
return;
}
if (den1 === 0 || den2 === 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Denominator cannot be zero.';
resultDiv.classList.add('error');
return;
}
if (den1 < 0 || den2 < 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Denominator must be positive.';
resultDiv.classList.add('error');
return;
}
if (num1 < 0 || num2 < 0 || whole1 < 0 || whole2 < 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Whole numbers and numerators must be non-negative.';
resultDiv.classList.add('error');
return;
}
// Convert mixed fractions to improper fractions
var improperNum1 = whole1 * den1 + num1;
var improperDen1 = den1;
var improperNum2 = whole2 * den2 + num2;
var improperDen2 = den2;
// Find a common denominator and subtract
var commonDen = improperDen1 * improperDen2;
var scaledNum1 = improperNum1 * improperDen2;
var scaledNum2 = improperNum2 * improperDen1;
var resultNum = scaledNum1 – scaledNum2;
var resultDen = commonDen;
// Simplify the resulting fraction
var commonDivisor = gcd(resultNum, resultDen);
var simplifiedNum = resultNum / commonDivisor;
var simplifiedDen = resultDen / commonDivisor;
// Handle negative denominator if resultNum is negative and simplifiedDen is negative (shouldn't happen with current GCD, but good practice)
if (simplifiedDen < 0) {
simplifiedNum *= -1;
simplifiedDen *= -1;
}
// Convert back to mixed fraction if possible
var finalWhole = 0;
var finalNum = simplifiedNum;
var finalDen = simplifiedDen;
var sign = '';
if (simplifiedNum = finalDen && finalDen !== 0) {
finalWhole = Math.floor(finalNum / finalDen);
finalNum = finalNum % finalDen;
}
var resultString = ";
if (finalWhole === 0 && finalNum === 0) {
resultString = '0';
} else if (finalNum === 0) {
resultString = sign + finalWhole;
} else if (finalWhole === 0) {
resultString = sign + finalNum + '/' + finalDen;
} else {
resultString = sign + finalWhole + ' ' + finalNum + '/' + finalDen;
}
resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Result: ' + resultString;
}
Understanding Mixed Fraction Subtraction
Subtracting mixed fractions is a fundamental arithmetic skill that involves working with numbers composed of a whole number and a proper fraction. A mixed fraction, like 3 1/2, represents the sum of a whole number (3) and a fraction (1/2).
What is a Mixed Fraction?
A mixed fraction combines a whole number and a proper fraction (where the numerator is smaller than the denominator). For example, 2 3/4 means two whole units plus three-quarters of another unit.
Steps to Subtract Mixed Fractions:
Convert Mixed Fractions to Improper Fractions: This is often the easiest first step. To convert a mixed fraction (e.g., A B/C) to an improper fraction, multiply the whole number (A) by the denominator (C), add the numerator (B), and place the result over the original denominator (C). So, A B/C becomes (A × C + B) / C. Do this for both fractions.
Find a Common Denominator: If the denominators of the improper fractions are different, you need to find a common denominator. The least common multiple (LCM) is ideal, but simply multiplying the two denominators together will always give you a common denominator. Adjust the numerators accordingly by multiplying them by the same factor used to change their respective denominators.
Subtract the Numerators: Once both improper fractions have the same denominator, subtract the second numerator from the first numerator. The denominator remains the same.
Simplify the Result: The resulting fraction might be an improper fraction or can be simplified. Find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of the new numerator and denominator and divide both by it to reduce the fraction to its simplest form.
Convert Back to a Mixed Fraction (Optional): If the simplified result is an improper fraction (numerator is greater than or equal to the denominator), you can convert it back to a mixed fraction. Divide the numerator by the denominator; the quotient is the new whole number, and the remainder is the new numerator, with the original denominator.
Example Calculation:
Let's subtract 1 3/4 from 3 1/2:
Convert to Improper Fractions:
3 1/2 = (3 × 2 + 1) / 2 = 7/2
1 3/4 = (1 × 4 + 3) / 4 = 7/4
Find a Common Denominator: The denominators are 2 and 4. The common denominator is 4.
7/2 becomes (7 × 2) / (2 × 2) = 14/4
7/4 remains 7/4
Subtract the Numerators:
14/4 – 7/4 = (14 – 7) / 4 = 7/4
Simplify and Convert to Mixed Fraction:
7/4 is an improper fraction. Divide 7 by 4: 7 ÷ 4 = 1 with a remainder of 3.
So, 7/4 converts to 1 3/4.
Therefore, 3 1/2 – 1 3/4 = 1 3/4.
Using the Calculator:
Our Mixed Fraction Subtraction Calculator simplifies this process. Simply input the whole number, numerator, and denominator for your first fraction, and then do the same for your second fraction. Click "Calculate Subtraction," and the tool will instantly provide the simplified result, either as a mixed fraction or a simple fraction/whole number.