4 Fractions on your calculator

Many calculators allow you to enter values as fractions. The button for it looks something like this: .

If you wanted to enter on your calculator, for example, you could enter 2, then the button, then 3.

You can then use the normal buttons for the number operations. Your calculator will give the answer as a fraction, too. It may be a top heavy fraction.

Some calculators have a special button which lets you convert between mixed numbers and top heavy fractions, and even between them and decimals. Don’t worry if the calculator you are using doesn’t have it though – you don’t have to have it. If your calculator does have it, then it probably looks like this:

Well done! You have completed your study of fractions. Hopefully you now feel more confident with this area of maths, which is often seen as quite challenging.

You may not use fractions in everyday life as much as previous generations who worked with imperial measurements and currency in pounds, shillings and pence, but fractions are an important part of maths. If you go on to further maths study, you will find out how understanding fractions will be a big help with algebra when solving and manipulating equations.